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Social ServiceISCO 5163

Embalmer

An embalmer is a person who arranges the removal of the deceased from the place of death and prepares bodies for burial and cremation. The embalmer washes and disinfects the body and then applies cosmetics to give a more natural appearance and to conceal any visible damage, working in close contact with funeral directors so that the wishes of the family are met.

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Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

cooperate with funeral directors

embalm bodies

promote human rights

move bodies of deceased persons

maintain professional administration

About embalmer

The technical work is medical in character. The embalmer transports the bodies of the deceased, works to the occupational health and safety standards, and handles material that carries an infection risk, which is why disinfection and protective practice are not formalities in this occupation.

The cosmetic work is the part a family sees. The embalmer works with cosmetics on a face that has to be recognisable to the people who knew it, which is a different task from making a face look well. What is achievable depends on the circumstances of the death, and saying honestly what can and cannot be done is part of the service.

The role is carried out beside people in grief. The embalmer shows diplomatic skill, promotes human rights in how the dead and their families are treated, and cooperates with funeral directors to deliver what was asked for. The administrative side belongs here too: professional administrative work and keeping an inventory of the instruments.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (11)

cosmeticscosmeticsThe various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.cooperate with funeral directorscooperate with funeral directorsMake arrangements and work together with funeral directors who provide funeral services for people buried on the cemetery under your responsibility.embalm bodiesembalm bodiesPrepare bodies for funeral ceremonies, by cleaning and disinfecting them, using make-up to create the impression of a natural appearance and hiding or correcting any visible damages or injuries.promote human rightspromote human rightsPromote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, an...move bodies of deceased personsmove bodies of deceased personsTransfer bodies of deceased persons or arrange transport from the place of death to the morgue or funeral home, in and out of the hearse and from the funeral home to the cemetery.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.work with chemicalswork with chemicalsHandle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.dress bodiesdress bodiesPut on clothes on bodies of deceased persons, chosen or provided by the deceased one's relatives.apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.show diplomacyshow diplomacyDeal with people in a sensitive and tactful way.maintain inventory of toolsmaintain inventory of toolsKeep an inventory of tools utilised in the provision of services. Ensure that tool sets remain complete and suitable for use.
Optional (14) — show
biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.dermasurgery techniquesdermasurgery techniquesTechniques used to reshape or reconstruct disfigured skin or body parts.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.liaise with local authoritiesliaise with local authoritiesMaintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...advise on funeral servicesadvise on funeral servicesProvide relatives of the deceased person with information and advice on ceremonial, burial and cremation services.transfer coffinstransfer coffinsLift and carry coffins prior and during the funeral service. Place the coffins into the chapel and the cemetery.assist police investigationsassist police investigationsAssist in police investigations by providing them with specialised information as a professional involved in the case, or by providing witness accounts, in order to ensure the police have all relevant...clean roomsclean roomsClean rooms by cleaning glasswork and windows, polishing furniture, vacuuming carpets, scrubing hard floors, and removing garbage.assist with funeral planningassist with funeral planningAid the families of patients with terminal illnesses with issues related to the organisation of the funeral.provide directions to guestsprovide directions to guestsShow guests the way through buildings or on domains, to their seats or performance setting, helping them with any additional information so that they can reach the foreseen event destination.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...prepare ceremonial locationsprepare ceremonial locationsDecorate rooms or other locations for ceremonies, such as funerals, cremations, weddings or baptism.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

cemetery attendant3 shared essential skillsfuneral services director3 shared essential skillschemical engineer2 shared essential skillsfuneral attendant2 shared essential skillsmaterials engineer2 shared essential skillsnanoengineer2 shared essential skillspharmaceutical engineer2 shared essential skillssurface treatment operator2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an embalmer do?

Embalmers arrange for the removal of bodies of deceased persons from the place of death and they prepare the bodies for burials and cremations. They clean and disinfect the bodies, use make-up to create the impression of a more natural appearance and hide any visible damage. They are in close contact with funeral services directors in order to comply with the wishes of the deceased family members.

What skills does an embalmer need?

An embalmer needs 11 essential skills, including cosmetics, cooperate with funeral directors, embalm bodies, promote human rights, move bodies of deceased persons.

Will AI replace embalmer jobs?

The AI disruption score for embalmer is 23/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain professional administration, maintain inventory of tools, provide directions to guests. Most resilient: cooperate with funeral directors, embalm bodies, dress bodies.

Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal service workers
Essential Skills11

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