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Mortuary Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mortuary Assistant information

What is a mortuary assistant?

A Mortuary Assistant helps with the preparation and care of deceased individuals before burial or cremation. Their duties may include cleaning and dressing bodies, assisting with autopsies, maintaining mortuary facilities, and comforting grieving families. They work under the supervision of funeral directors or pathologists, ensuring that bodies are handled with dignity and respect. This role requires attention to detail, discretion, and a compassionate demeanor.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a mortuary assistant?

As a Mortuary Assistant, your typical daily responsibilities include preparing the deceased for viewings, assisting with embalming procedures under supervision, maintaining cleanliness and organization in the mortuary, and supporting funeral directors with setup for services. You may also be responsible for transporting bodies, stocking supplies, and completing necessary administrative tasks such as record keeping. The job often involves working closely with small teams and families, requiring a respectful and discreet demeanor. Understanding these responsibilities will help you determine if this meaningful and detail-oriented role is right for you.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mortuary assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mortuary Assistant, you generally need attention to detail, basic anatomical knowledge, and the ability to follow established sanitary and safety procedures; most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with mortuary instruments, embalming support equipment, and documentation systems is often necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and a compassionate approach are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure proper care and dignity for the deceased while supporting grieving families and maintaining a respectful environment.

How can I become a mortuary assistant?

To become a mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship. Some employers prefer candidates with knowledge of sanitation, anatomy, or related skills, and certification or training in funeral service practices can be beneficial. The role often requires physical stamina and the ability to work in a funeral home environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a mortuary assistant?

To become a mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer prior experience in healthcare or funeral services, and basic knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures is important. Certification is not always required but can enhance job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Mortuary Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mortuary Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Mortuary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Mortuary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Mortuary Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice

NorthStar Memorial Group

Decatur, IL • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Decatur, IL. United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in their profession that extends beyond the workday. Here, we celebrate the above-and-beyond ethos of our team, encouraging collaboration in every aspect of our work. Joining NorthStar Memorial Group means becoming part of a compassionate community dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and respect for the deceased and their families.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure client families receive a high level of service that is consistent with the standards of NorthStar Memorial Group under the guidance of the Funeral Director.
  • Conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in an honorable manner for the family.
  • Help ensure the proper chain of custody is maintained throughout the preparation process
  • Handle the removal process of the departed in a professional manner
  • Assist with the preparation of the deceased including dressing, casketing, and restoring
  • Complete embalming, disinfecting, dressing, preparing, and casketing of the deceased using appropriate precautions and OSHA standards in a manner that honors the deceased, under the guidance of the Funeral Director

Qualifications

  • High school diploma
  • Valid drivers license
  • Recently completed or currently enrolled in an accredited mortuary program
  • Knowledge of rules and regulations for the memorial services profession
  • Knowledge of current federal, state, and local regulations related to the industry

Compensation

  • $18.00 to $22.00/hr.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Matching

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.