Job Title: Deceased Body Retrieval Team Member (DRT)
Location: London Biggin Hill
Job Type: Self-employed or fixed term contract,
Job Summary: The Deceased Body Retrieval Team Member is responsible for the timely and respectful retrieval of deceased individuals from various locations, including homes, hospitals, accident scenes, and public areas. This crucial role requires compassion, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility to handle sensitive situations with consistent and well delivered dignity and care. You will be working as part of a full time response teams in and around central London, on a shift pattern to be agreed with the candidate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond to Calls:Promptly respond to calls from the control room to retrieve deceased individuals.
- Coordinate Logistics:Coordinate with team members and dispatch centre to ensure efficient and timely retrieval operations.
- Ensure Compliance:Adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements related to deceased body retrieval, including documentation, transportation, reporting and handling procedures.
- Maintain Dignity:Handle deceased individuals with the utmost respect and dignity, ensuring their proper identification and secure and dignified transportation.
- Communicate Professionally:Interact with clients, family members, and other stakeholders with clarity, empathy, professionalism, and sensitivity.
- Maintain Equipment:Regularly inspect, clean, and maintain retrieval equipment, vehicles, and personal protective gear to ensure safe and effective operations.
- Documentation:Complete all necessary compliance paperwork accurately and promptly, including incident reports, inventory logs, and chain of custody documentation to a high standard without error.
- Team Collaboration:Work collaboratively with other team members, our control room and healthcare professionals to ensure seamless coordination during retrieval operations.
- Training and Development:Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance skills and stay updated on industry best practices.
- Emergency Response:Be prepared to respond to emergency situations and work under pressure to fulfil critical retrieval requests.
Qualifications:
- First aid training preferred or experience/certification in mortuary science, forensic science, or proven related field.
- Previous experience in a related field, such as ambulance patient transport, funeral services, or healthcare involving the movement and manual handing of patient is desirable.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact compassionately and professionally with individuals in distress as well as authorities and emergency services.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment and local authorities.
- Physical fitness and stamina to perform retrieval duties, including lifting and moving deceased individuals and operating equipment.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; willingness to undergo background checks and drug screenings as required. Experience of driving in London and main roads/route knowledge preferred.
- Compassion, empathy, and a respectful attitude toward deceased individuals and their families at all times.
Working Conditions:
- Fixed shift rota available.
- On-call availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to respond to retrieval requests as needed.
- Exposure to potentially distressing or emotionally challenging situations involving deceased individuals and grieving family members.
- Ability to work outdoors and in various weather conditions, as well as in confined spaces and potentially hazardous environments.
- Physical demands include lifting, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods, as well as operating heavy equipment and vehicles.
Salary and Benefits:
- Salary range:
Employed – weekdays – £12ph days shift & £13ph night shift
Weekends – £13ph day shift & £14ph night shift
Self-employed – Weekdays £13ph days shift & £14ph night shift
Weekends – £14ph day shift & £15ph night shift
- Benefits package may include, paid holiday and professional development opportunities.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change based on organisational needs and operational requirements. DBS criminal record checks will be conducted.
Additional: To give your full attention to one of the final stages of someone’s life is a privilege and opportunity to offer a compassionate service that few get to experience. The job can be demanding and we understand that it is not for everyone, so please consider this before applying. If you have previous relevant experience, this would be of benefit for consideration of the role.
You will be working for a company that delivers excellence through it’s committed staff diligence and commitment to care. You will be joining a team who genuinely look out for and care for each other, so be ready to bring all you have as it will be well received and rewarded with an opportunity to grow within the business.
Please email our control email address with your interest in the role. Find our more about us, or Facebook and LinkedIn or contact by email below.