Description
Summary of Job Function:
The part-time Office & Crematory Assistant supports the daily operations of Richmond Cremation, a direct cremation service which serves more than 400 families each year and guides families toward a simple, online arrangement experience. This role provides administrative and phone support to reduce the workload on Location Manager, helps keep cases moving accurately and compassionately, and assists with performing cremations as needed. The right person will be organized, dependable, comfortable with technology, and able to work with care and discretion in a sensitive environment.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
· Answer incoming phone calls during scheduled work hours with warmth, professionalism, and accuracy.
· Respond to routine questions from families, callers, vendors, and team members from our sister brand, escalating sensitive or complex matters to the Location Manager.
· Support families using the online arrangement platform by helping ensure information is complete, accurate, and moving forward in a timely manner.
· Assist with case-related administrative tasks, including data entry, document preparation, scanning, filing, tracking forms, and maintaining accurate records.
· Monitor and organize email, task lists, and case information as assigned.
· Coordinate with the after-hours call service by reviewing messages, documenting follow-up needs, and helping ensure timely response during business hours.
· Help maintain an organized, professional, and welcoming office environment.
· Assist with cremation-related documentation, identification procedures, tracking, and chain-of-custody processes according to company policy and applicable regulations.
· Assist with performing cremations as needed, once trained and authorized.
· Support basic care of the crematory area, including cleanliness, readiness, inventory awareness, and routine operational checks as assigned.
· Communicate clearly with the Location Manager about case status, family needs, operational concerns, and time-sensitive items.
· Perform other administrative or operational duties as assigned to support Richmond Cremation.
Requirements
· High school diploma or equivalent required.
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Comfort using computers, online platforms, email, and basic office technology.
· Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and compassionately by phone, email, and in person.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
· Dependable attendance and punctuality.
· Ability to follow established procedures carefully and consistently.
· Willingness to work in and around a crematory environment.
· Ability to obtain crematory operator certification after hire, if required by the company.
Preferred Qualifications
· Prior administrative, office assistant, receptionist, customer service, or funeral service experience.
· Experience working in a role that required accuracy, documentation, and follow-through.
· Comfort supporting families or customers during stressful or emotional circumstances.
· Interest in funeral service, cremation operations, or end-of-life care.
Working Conditions:
· Work is performed in both an office setting and, as needed, in or near the crematory area.
· Position requires comfort working in a sensitive end-of-life care environment and maintaining professionalism, discretion, and composure at all times.
· May involve exposure to heat, noise, odors, crematory equipment, and deceased human remains when assisting with crematory-related duties.
· Requires use of appropriate safety practices, personal protective equipment, and established procedures when working in the crematory area.
· May require periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting or moving of supplies or materials.
Work Schedule:
This is a 20-hour per week position during normal business hours. Availability to be on call when business needs arise is required.
Richmond Cremation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, or status under applicable law.
We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the hiring process or while employed, please contact Human Resources.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Comfort using computers, online platforms, email, and basic office technology
- Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and compassionately by phone, email, and in person
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to follow established procedures carefully and consistently
- Willingness to work in and around a crematory environment
- Ability to obtain crematory operator certification after hire, if required by the company
- Availability to be on call when business needs arise
- Prior administrative, office assistant, receptionist, customer service, or funeral service experience
- Experience requiring accuracy, documentation, and follow-through
- Comfort supporting families or customers during stressful or emotional circumstances
- Interest in funeral service, cremation operations, or end-of-life care
What We Do
Joseph W. Bliley Company, Inc., commonly known as Bliley's, is a family-owned funeral and cremation provider based in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1874, the company provides comprehensive funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services. It is recognized as one of Richmond's oldest businesses and most preferred providers of death care services in the region.






