Mortuary Assistant

The closing date is 17 February 2026

The Mortuary Assistant supports the provision of a safe, efficient and compassionate mortuary service in line with Trust policies, Health & Safety legislation and Health Technology Authority (HTA) requirements.

The role involves receiving, caring for, moving and releasing deceased persons; assisting Anatomical Pathology Technologists with post-mortem, forensic and viewing procedures; maintaining accurate documentation and traceability; and ensuring a clean, safe and dignified environment.

The post holder will communicate sensitively with bereaved relatives and liaise effectively with clinical staff, Coroner's Officers, Funeral Directors and external agencies, whilst contributing to service quality, audit activity, mandatory training and participation in the Tier 2 on-call rota once competent.

Mortuary Assistant We are seeking a compassionate and reliable individual to join our Mortuary team. The role involves driving the Trust's private ambulance to transfer deceased patients between sites and external organisations, while ensuring dignity and security at all times.

You will assist with mortuary operations, including receiving, storing, and releasing deceased persons, supporting post-mortem and forensic examinations, and preparing for hospital and coronial viewings. Sensitive communication with bereaved families is essential. Duties also include maintaining accurate records, managing samples and disposals, housekeeping, stock control, and liaising with clinical teams, Coroner's Officers, and Funeral Directors.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Emotional resilience and professionalism in distressing situations
• Basic IT and admin skills
• Full clean driving licence (held for 2+ years)

Training provided, with participation in audits, service improvements, and on-call rota once competent.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer buddy support to help new members settle in. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We are here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. Our Wellbeing Programme is extensive and designed to support you, including flexible working where possible to support work-life balance.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Pack

Please note:

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communication

There is a considerable amount of liaison with members of the team, other hospital staff and users of the service. It is essential that a friendly, courteous, and professional manner is promoted at all times. Strong communication skills are required within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.

The post holder is expected to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff members characterised by trust, mutual respect and open, honest communication, including external organisation personnel, West Sussex Coroner, Coroners Officers, Trust contracted Funeral Director(s), WSCC Representatives/Officers and Sussex DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) Team.

In accordance with appropriate policies and procedures communicate with bereaved relatives, Coroner, Coroners Officers, Funeral Directors, WSCC personnel and all other users of the Mortuary facility in a positive and effective manner to deliver a high quality Mortuary Service.

In the absence of the Senior Mortuary Assistant, to maintain the communication of any relevant information to other Mortuary staff to ensure the continual and efficient running of the Mortuary Service.

To respectfully communicate with bereaved…