Removal Technician - PT

Job DescriptionJob Description

Why Join Heritage Family?

Since 1943, Heritage Family has been a trusted name in personal, compassionate care. Our legacy is built on meaningful service, deep respect, and a commitment to honoring every life.

At Heritage Family, we offer more than a job - we offer purpose. Our team is united by shared values and a mission that matters:

• Honor Every Life with Compassion: We provide personalized, heartfelt services that celebrate each unique life, meeting families where they are with care and understanding.
• Lead with Innovation and Respect: We blend time-honored traditions with modern approaches to create thoughtful, meaningful experiences for the families we serve.
• Foster a Culture of Empathy: We care deeply - for our communities and for one another. You'll join a team that supports and values every voice, empowering you to make a lasting difference.

A career in deathcare is both a calling and a responsibility. At Heritage Family, you'll find a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while helping others in some of life's most tender and meaningful moments.

Position Summary:

The Removal Technician is an on-call position responsible for the dignified and professional removal and transportation of decedents from homes, hospitals, hospice, and care facilities to the funeral home. This individual represents the funeral home during the initial point of contact and is expected to leave a positive and compassionate first impression with families during moments of grief and loss.

All employees are expected to provide quality care and the utmost respect for the deceased, treat each family as their own, and represent the funeral home with dignity, honesty, and professionalism-both on and off the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to first calls promptly, compassionately, and professionally.
• Safely operate company vehicles to transport the deceased from various locations.
• Adhere to all funeral home policies and procedures related to removals and transfers.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with family members, healthcare professionals, and staff.
• Accurately and legibly complete required paperwork, including first call sheets, valuables documentation, and identification tags.
• Maintain proper chain of custody and universal precautions at all times.
• Report any unusual circumstances or family concerns to the appropriate funeral home staff.
• Assist with light vehicle maintenance and cleanliness to ensure readiness.

Professional Standards

First Call Response

• Promptly accepts and responds to first calls with professionalism and empathy.
• Provides reassurance and clear communication to families.
• Coordinates with care facilities and internal staff.

Transfers

• Demonstrates compassion and discretion with each interaction.
• Practices universal precautions and safe handling.
• Seeks proper authorization to embalm and can explain services and pricing in accordance with company and FTC guidelines.

Appearance

• Wears the required company uniform or attire.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and professional appearance at all times.

Documentation

• Completes required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attaches ID tags and logs personal belongings with care.
• Communicates special instructions or family needs to appropriate staff.

Driving and Escorting

• Maintains eligibility under company vehicle insurance.
• Demonstrates safe, courteous, and efficient driving behavior at all times.

General Maintenance

• Supports overall facility upkeep, especially vehicle readiness.
• Assists with minor vehicle repairs and cleaning.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional maturity to handle grief-related situations with compassion.
• Availability to work after-hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with families, team members, and medical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage paperwork and logistics efficiently.
• Must successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Must maintain insurability under company vehicle use policies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to serving grieving families.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Emotional resilience, composure, and discretion in emotionally sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain professionalism, and support a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily conducted in varied and sometimes unpredictable environments, including private residences, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, funeral homes, and transportation vehicles.
• Frequent exposure to emotionally charged situations while interacting with grieving families and care facility staff; compassion, discretion, and professionalism are essential.
• Requires the ability to lift, move, and transport decedents and related equipment, often in confined or awkward spaces. Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Exposure to biological hazards, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materials is possible during the removal and transfer process; adherence to universal precautions and use of PPE is mandatory.
• Requires prolonged periods of driving, sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing stairs during removals and transfers.
• Flexible scheduling is essential, including availability for overnight, weekend, holiday, and on-call shifts.
• May be exposed to varying weather conditions during outdoor removals or transfers.
• Must be comfortable working independently, often with limited on-site supervision, while representing the funeral home in a highly visible and sensitive role.