Thrift Store 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:

The Thrift Store Clerk provides service to customers, sorts incoming product, and assists in the ongoing retail operations of The Salvation Army Wingham Thrift Store.

Accountabilities

Operations

• Greet and interact with customers/donors in a positive, friendly, and courteous manner.

• 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 loading/unloading, sorting, packing, hanging, pricing, and storing donations.

• Possess knowledge of stock 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 – “bailing” items in the store.

• Assist donors with their contributions, unload donations and place stock in appropriate location.

• 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.

• Protect the integrity of all donated items; abide by store policy and procedures.

Communications

• Inform your supervisor of all customer complaints, comments and concerns regarding customer service, prices, merchandise, etc.

Health and Safety

• Contribute to the safety of staff and customers (e.g., snow removal, clear fire exits, cleans spillage; no obstacles inside/outside the store).

• Maintain an attractive organized and safe appearance of the store, tidy up and restock shelves, clean, sweep, dust, and mop as necessary; on a rotational basis clean the lunchroom, washroom, and other common areas.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

Perform other related duties as required.

Working Conditions:

• This is a permanent part-time position based on 15 hours per week. 

• Schedule may vary from week to week and include weekdays and Saturdays. 

• Additional hours may be requested of you during busy seasons or staffing shortages.   

• This job requires the ability to stand for extended periods with frequent twisting, bending, crouching, and reaching is required; the ability to lift/move 20 to 29 pounds.

• Your supervisor sets the hours of work and work schedule and flexibility in scheduling is required.

Normal hours or work:  Will be scheduled as per the Thrift Store hours of operation Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break where applicable.  The hours of work and hours of operation are subject to review as required. 

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, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of Secondary School.

• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of three (3) months of prior related experience.

• Knowledge of lifting guidelines. 

• Cash handling experience is required.

• Brand awareness would be a definite asset.

• Basic math skills required to calculate discounts and percentages as well as reading skills.

• Knowledge and experience using a cash register, debit machine and/or credit card processing is a definite asset.

• Some related experience in warehouse processing or goods distribution would be a definite asset. 

Skills and Capabilities:

• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.

• Self-motivated/disciplined.

• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.

• Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.

• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills.

• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully 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:

The target hiring range for this position is $17.95 to $20.89 with a maximum of $23.82.

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 [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.