Advanced Planning Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Summary of Job Function:

The Advanced Planning Specialist at Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center is responsible for guiding families through funeral and cremation planning that occurs in advance of a death (sometimes referred to as "pre-need"). This role focuses on building relationships, presenting meaningful service and merchandise options, ensuring compliance with pre-need laws, and representing Bliley's in the community. It requires strong communication and multitasking skills, careful attention to detail, and a deep understanding of funeral industry standards.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Initiate contact with interested families to schedule appointments for arrangement conferences.
• Conduct arrangement conferences with pre-need families, respecting cultural and religious preferences; offering appropriate guidance and direction; presenting all applicable funeral, cremation, merchandise, and personalization options; and honoring the client's particular personhood.
• Prepare and maintain paper and digital preneed files for families.
• Provide information regarding prepayment options for arrangements.
• File necessary documentation with National Guardian Life Insurance Company and Sepio Guard.
• Respond to and follow up on price shopper calls with professionalism.
• Work alongside the Operations Team to ensure that families anticipating a loss experience the highest level of care as they transition from a pre-need to an at-need family.
• Assist client families with the transfer of pre-need policies to and from Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center.
• Maintain PRECOA database, providing results of scheduled appointments.
• Communicate appointment schedules with locations through the Passare calendar.
• Schedule and coordinate educational seminars within the community.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws governing the practice of funeral service.
• Remain available as a resource to families and the community facing death and loss.
• Assist with additional business needs as assigned.
• Actively promote Bliley's Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in the community.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed in Virginia as a Funeral Service Licensee or Funeral Director
• Previous experience as a Funeral Director (preferred)
• Working knowledge of laws (state, local, federal) regarding preneed, funeral, and cremation options
• Strong knowledge of funeral ceremonies, industry-related merchandise, and personalization options
• Ability to present merchandise and personalization options effectively
• Well-groomed with a neat, clean, and professional appearance
• Pleasant personality and excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of sensitivity, compassion, and care for families, the community, and fellow associates, regardless of diverse backgrounds and presentations
• Proficient computer skills (including with Microsoft Outlook, Passare, Paylocity, and basic Internet navigation)
• Strong detail-orientation
• Significant ability to work independently
• Ability to multitask within job requirements
• Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, lift, listen, talk, climb stairs, and perform computer keyboarding
• May need to transport/lift items weighing up to 75 pounds

Salary Description

$75K (plus commissions)