Union Store Associate

The Salvation Army; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army seeks a part-time Sales Associate to assist in a retail environment. The role includes customer service, inventory management, and adherence to safety practices. Candidates should have some high school education, customer service experience, and the ability to work as part of a team while supporting the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• Experience in processing/distribution of goods or customer service (a few months).
• Knowledge of lifting guidelines.
• Background check capability.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and interact positively with customers/donors.
• Process donations and manage inventory.
• Ensure safety practices and maintain organized store environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Completion of some high school coursework

Tools

Cash registers

Job description

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 worldwide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people by providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. We also support individuals facing unemployment, addiction, and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs, living 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:

This position is located at 563 Highland Rd W, Kitchener, ON N2M 5K2.

Accountabilities:
The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.

1. 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.
• Respond to customer inquiries by phone/in person with knowledge of stock.
• Monitor store activity for security purposes.
• Assist with store layout plans, window displays, and merchandise displays to attract customers.
• Contribute to inventory control by retrieving, sorting, hanging, and pricing as directed.
• Assist with donation turnover, replenish inventory, and remove inventory from sales floor as directed.
• Handle merchandise safely and organize stock rotation; recycle textiles and metal donations appropriately.
• Assist donors with contributions and process donations accordingly.
• Maintain proper sorting and processing of goods, ensuring compliance with quality standards and correct pricing.
• Perform other duties as required.

2. Health and Safety

• Contribute to the safety of staff and customers (e.g., snow removal, clear fire exits, clean spills, remove obstacles).
• Maintain an organized and safe store environment; clean and restock shelves as needed.
• Comply with OH&S Act and Regulations and The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Critical Relationship Management

Internal: Store Manager, Corps Officer(s), volunteers, staff
External: Guests, vendors

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Store Manager. No direct reports.

Financial and Material Management

• Moderate material responsibilities.
• Use or maintain organizational assets following guidelines.
• No financial transaction processing or budget responsibilities.

All responsibilities must align with The Salvation Army’s mission, conducted professionally, and uphold our code of conduct.

Working Conditions

• This is a permanent part-time position.
• Work schedule varies; includes weekdays and/or Saturdays.
• Requires standing for long periods, frequent twisting, bending, crouching, reaching, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Follow health and safety regulations, including wearing gloves when handling unknown contents.

All Salvation Army NRO employees must wear safety shoes at all times in store and DRC locations.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Willingness to support The Salvation Army’s mission and purpose.
• Compliance with OH&S Act and safety policies.
• Completion of some high school coursework; alternative education/experience considered.
• Experience in processing/distribution of goods or customer service (a few months).
• Knowledge of lifting guidelines and cash handling experience.
• Experience with cash registers, bank deposits, and reports.
• Product brand awareness is an asset.
• Experience in a computerized environment.

Skills and Capabilities

• Attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Physically capable of lifting/carrying up to 29 lbs and performing related tasks.

Ability to undergo background checks satisfactorily.

Compensation:

The target salary is $17.82 per hour, with placement based on experience and other factors. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request by emailing [e-mail].