Community Services Officer

Community Services Officer

POST: Community Services Officer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Services Delivery Manager

SALARY SCALE: 13-23 (£26,873 - £32,073)

HOURS: 37 Hours Per Week

Main Objectives:

Newbury Town Council, in accordance with Sections 101, 102, and 103 of the Local Government Act 1972, is entrusted with the proper management, regulation, and control of its cemetery site. The primary objective of this role is to deliver a high-quality service to all cemetery users, encompassing administrative, financial, and day-to-day management duties on behalf of the Council.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Cemeteries:

• Manage all burial requests ensuring compliance with burial laws and practices.
• Maintain accurate burial records, including the purchase of graves register and burials register.
• Issue Exclusive Rights of Burial to new plot holders and manage ownership transfers.
• Liaise with Funeral Directors, contractors, and families to ensure smooth burials, with sensitivity and respect.
• Issue memorial permits in line with monument and headstone rules.
• Ensure adherence to cemetery rules.
• Attend burials as required and verify internment details.
• Prepare reports for the Community Services Committee, including burial statistics and financial information.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations for the Cemetery site, including memorial maintenance.

Allotments:

• Allotment management, issuing tenancy agreements, rent collection.
• Conduct regular site inspections and take appropriate action in accordance with Allotment Rules and Agreements.
• Liaise with allotment stewards on various matters and issue annual invoices.
• Attend Steward’s meetings and tenants’ meetings out of hours when required and take and prepare agenda/minutes when necessary.

Market:

• Assist with the management of the Market, ensuring compliance.
• Promote the Market

Health & Safety:

• Support the Council in fulfilling its obligations concerning Health and Safety in the workplace and on Council premises.

Administrative Duties:

• Assist with the administration of public realm amenities such as Bus shelters, Footway Lighting, and outdoor furniture.
• Attend evening meetings and accurately record minutes; attend other key Council events which may fall on weekends.

Any other duties as required by the council

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience in Cemetery Management: Prior experience in cemetery management or related fields such as funeral services.
• Customer Service Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organisational Skills: Strong organisational skills.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to Work in a Sensitive Environment.
• Being able to take on additional tasks or responsibilities beyond the core duties as required by the organisation.
• Attention to detail is crucial for ensuring accuracy in record keeping and compliance with regulations.
• Hold a full clean driving licence.

Desirable:

• Land management, or local government administration is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Legal and Regulatory Requirements governing cemeteries, such as burial laws, health and safety regulations, and land use policies.
• Financial Management Skills: Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue management is beneficial for overseeing cemetery finances, including fee collection, budget allocation, and financial planning.
• Working knowledge of Rialtas/CAS.

Newbury Town Council - General Officer Requirements;

The post holder is required to contribute to the achievement of the Council’s objectives through:

• Customer Service: When working for the Council, all employees are ambassadors of the Council and are expected to be courteous, helpful and professional when dealing with the public, the elected members of the Council and with colleagues.
• Equalities: Ensuring that all work is completed with a commitment to equality and antidiscriminatory practice, as a minimum to standards required by legislation.
• Corporate Responsibility: The postholder will be a part of the Council team and will be expected to support the Council’s Strategy and corporate objectives in all aspects of their work.
• Climate Change: Delivering energy conservation practices in line with the Council’s climate change strategy.
• Health and Safety: Ensuring a work environment that protects people’s health and safety and that promotes welfare and which is in accordance with the Council’s Health & Safety policy.

To apply, please email: towncouncil@newbury.gov.uk