Embalming Apprenticeship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

Working for Bliley's 

For more than a century, Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center has stood for service, trust, and professionalism. Joining our team means being part of a legacy of care and a culture where every associate contributes to the experience families remember. We seek individuals who hold themselves to a high standard and find meaning in serving others. 

Summary of Job Function 

The Funeral Director (Care Center) supports Bliley's respectful care of deceased persons by receiving, preparing, embalming, and restoring them in accordance with applicable standards and family preferences. The role ensures accurate identification and documentation, maintains preparation and chain-of-custody records, mentors apprentices, and partners with funeral directors and operations teams to support services as needed. This position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently in a physically demanding and emotionally sensitive environment. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

• Receive deceased persons into Bliley's Care Center, ensuring proper identification and documentation of each person upon arrival. 
• Embalm, prepare, restore, apply cosmetics, dress, casket, and adjust deceased persons as needed. 
• Assess treatment needs of deceased persons based on family preferences and service requirements. 
• Inspect each deceased person before they leave the Care Center to ensure presentation standards are met. 
• Complete embalming and cremation logs, refrigeration logs, and chain-of-custody documentation. 
• Maintain accurate preparation records in accordance with company and legal requirements. 
• Follow all OSHA, bloodborne pathogen, and exposure control standards. 
• Communicate regularly with family-facing Funeral Directors, Dispatch, and Location Managers. 
• Mentor and train funeral service apprentices. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws governing the practice of funeral service. 
• Patiently and professionally field occasional phone calls, including first calls (reporting deaths) and imminent death calls. 
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies are ready for use as well as properly cleaned and returned after use. 
• 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. 

Essential Job Functions 

The associate must be able to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation: 

Physical Demands 

• Stand and walk for extended periods; bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform care center duties. 
• Safely lift, move, and position bodies and equipment up to 75 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate. 
• Use hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment and perform detailed restorative work requiring manual dexterity. 

Communication & Interpersonal 

• Communicate clearly and professionally with funeral directors, dispatch, location leadership, vendors, and apprentices in person, by phone, and electronically. 
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and interacting with colleagues and families. 
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment while also working independently with minimal supervision. 

Safety & Compliance 

• Follow all OSHA, bloodborne pathogen, exposure control, and chemical safety standards, including consistent use of required PPE. 
• Safely operate care center and preparation equipment and report hazards, incidents, or unsafe conditions promptly. 
• Maintain chain-of-custody, identification, and documentation accuracy in compliance with legal and company requirements. 

Work Environment & Mental Demands 

• Work regularly in embalming rooms, refrigeration areas, and preparation spaces with exposure to chemicals, odors, and biological hazards. 
• Maintain attention to detail and sound judgment while managing multiple priorities, interruptions, and time-sensitive preparation deadlines. 
• Perform duties in an emotionally sensitive environment, maintaining professionalism and composure. 

Attendance & Scheduling 

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and be punctual for scheduled shifts. 
• Work a varied schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage as required by business needs. 

Requirements

• Licensed in Virginia as a Funeral Service Licensee or Funeral Director 
• Experience as a Funeral Director (preferred) 
• Excellent working knowledge of embalming, preparation, and restoration of deceased persons 
• Proficiency with cosmetics and restorative supplies 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask 
• Ability to work independently 
• Professional appearance and demeanor 
• High degree of sensitivity, compassion, and care for deceased persons, their families, the community, and fellow associates, regardless of diverse backgrounds and presentations 
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and OSHA requirements for funeral and cremation services 
• Proficient computer skills (including Microsoft Outlook, Passare, Paylocity, and basic internet navigation) 
• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds and work in physically demanding conditions 
• OSHA compliance training, including Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communications (must be completed within the first 30 days if not already current) 
• Meet continuing education requirements as mandated by the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers 

Working Conditions 

• Work is primarily performed in the funeral home care center, including embalming rooms, crematory areas, refrigeration units, and preparation spaces. 
• Exposure to biological hazards, chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde), odors, and potentially infectious materials is expected; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory. 
• Must be able to stand for long periods and to bend, stoop, and lift or move up to 75 pounds using appropriate tools or equipment (e.g., mortuary lifts). 
• Work involves handling human remains in various states of condition and presentation. 
• Moderate noise levels, temperature fluctuations (including cooler environments for preservation), and use of specialized equipment are common. 
• Occasional travel to satellite or partner locations may be required. 
• Schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call duties to meet operational and service demands. 
• Professional, compassionate conduct is required in all interactions, including when engaging with grieving families or members of the public. 

Work Schedule 

This is a 40-hour-per-week position with a varied schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. On-call availability is required as business needs arise.