Thrift Store Sales Associate

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: Reporting to the Thrift Store Manager, the Sales Associate provides service to customers, sorts incoming products, and assists the manager in the maintenance of all Williams Lake Salvation Army Thrift Store operations.

Responsibilities & Expectations:       

The incumbent is responsible for the following range of job duties characteristic, or typical of the job class:

• Support The Salvation Army mission, vision, values, and standards.
• Contribute to meeting store sales targets; provide efficient courteous customer service; use tact when dealing with difficult customers.
• Be knowledgeable regarding product pricing and featured sale products; protect the integrity of all donated items.
• Maintain store opening and closing procedures as required.
• Responsible for accurate completion of all customer transactions including cash and debit sales with minimal voids, overages, or shortages.
• Adhere to store policy regarding cheques, credit cards, refunds, voids, and holds.
• Process raw materials by sorting, packing, pricing, and storing donations.
• Possess knowledge of stock in order to respond to customer enquiries by phone/in person.
• Pay attention to store security, by monitoring activity within the store.
• Assist with store layout plans to attract customers, which include window displays and merchandise displays; ensures attractiveness of the store through “Tidy Maintenance”.
• Contribute to the control of inventory by retrieving, sorting, hanging, and pricing as directed.
• Assist with donation turnover, replenish inventory levels on the sales floor and remove inventory from sales floor as directed.
• Handle the merchandise in a safe and organized manner; assist in stock rotation – “ragging” items in the store.
• Maintain the proper sorting and processing of all donated goods, ensure compliance with quality standards; that all products are priced correctly as per store policy.
• Work with volunteers as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by TSA H&S policies and procedures.
• Report workplace hazards, dangers, injuries, illness, or close calls in a manner required by TSA.
• Keep work areas clean and hazard free.

WORKING CONDITIONS:   

• This is a permanent part time position with benefits at 32 hrs per week. Normal working hours are Wednesday – Saturday 830a-530p with 1 hr unpaid lunch.

• Typical retail environment including back room sorting and stock processing with consideration for safety factors.

• The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:

• Garbage
• Odors
• Dirty Environment
• Excessive noise
• Disgruntled customers
• Customers under the influence

• Work is varied with periods of repetitive tasks.

• The incumbent must be able to lift up to 40lbs.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health and safety rules):

• Universal precautions
• Wear gloves, masks, and/or glasses while sorting donations
• Adhering to proper lifting techniques

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:          

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention an asset

NOTE: An alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements   

• Preference given to those with prior retail experience
• Knowledge of proper lifting techniques
• Cash handling/Cash Register experience is required

Skills and Capabilities:  

• Attention to detail, problem solving
• Self-motivated/disciplined
• Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong communication skills
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.