Training and Development Associate - Watsonville

GOODWILL CENTRAL COAST; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

GOODWILL CENTRAL COAST in Watsonville is looking for a Training & Development Associate to provide coaching and support for employees in both Mission Services and retail operations. The candidate will focus on developing skills and ensuring effective communication across departments.

This role requires a high school diploma, with a preference for an associate degree. Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission and retail operations is essential. Experience in supervision and working with diverse individuals is highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in a donated goods environment.
• Supervisory experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide training to workforce employees in retail settings.
• Conduct performance assessments and address issues.
• Support and develop hard and soft skills for employees.

Skills

Effective communication in English

Basic Spanish communication

Performance assessment abilities

Training abilities

Sensitivity to cultural diversity and barriers

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in behavioral science or related field

Tools

Electronic cash registers

POS systems

Typical retail store equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Training & Development (T&D) Associate provides training and coaching to both Mission Services workforce employees and Donated Goods & Retail (DGR) employees on site at designated retail stores. The role involves developing hard and soft skills, communicating effectively across departments, and supporting a productive workforce that assists store customers and contributes to the organization’s mission.

Essential Duties

• Provide training and support to Mission Services workforce employees and DGR employees assigned to donated goods worksites through programs such as CalWORKs, covering basic duties of sales, e-commerce, processing, and material handling.
• Document individuals’ performance through weekly assessments; identify work concerns and address them with employees and the Employment Specialist.
• Follow specific timekeeping procedures in accordance with organizational and regulatory guidelines.
• Greet store customers, offer assistance and suggestions, and ring up sales on the cash register while following cash handling procedures.
• Place, display, straighten, and rearrange merchandise to increase customer appeal and maintain a neat, safe work environment.
• Assist with stock rotation and markdowns, as directed by the Store Manager or designee.
• Prepare store donations and rotate merchandise for transfer to the central processing plant.
• Communicate problems, complaints, potential theft, and safety issues to the Store Manager, Director of Training & Development, and Employment Specialist.
• Ensure completion of all in‑store training for Mission Services workforce employees and DGR employees.
• Set work schedules with the store manager or designee and assign work tasks to workforce employees.
• In concert with the Store Manager and T&D Director, modify workstations or specific assignments to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
• Trains, enforces, and displays positive worker traits, including conduct, performance, and attendance standards.

Secondary Duties

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent, preferred.
• License/Certification Required: May require a valid California class C driver license, depending on specific location.
• Experience Desired: Two years of experience in a donated goods environment (retail or production), or equivalent.
• One year of experience in a supervisory or lead role.
• One year of experience working with individuals with obstacles to employment.
• Knowledge Required: Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, general company policies and procedures, obstacles to retaining successful employment, and knowledge of electronic cash registers and POS systems.
• Equipment Used: Typical retail store and donated goods equipment; typical office equipment.
• Skills, Aptitudes & Temperaments:
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate in basic Spanish is desirable.
• Ability to assess WDS employee progress and performance.
• Ability to understand and follow program-specific policies and procedures, and Goodwill Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to train store and related donated goods procedures, both individually and in groups.
• Ability to demonstrate satisfactory attendance and adhere to Goodwill policy.
• Ability to recognize and recommend treatment of behaviors that are obstacles to performance.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity, physical limitations, economic hardship, learning disabilities, and other barriers to employment.
• Ability to maintain stable working relationships with all employees.
• Ability to adhere to safe work practices as documented in company safety policies.
• Ability to report safety hazards or accidents promptly to supervisor or safety committee member.

Physical Demands

Moderate standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 lbs are required. The role involves routine use of equipment such as hand trucks and repetitive reaching, with occasional heavy lifting supported by material handling equipment.

Job Setting

Work is performed in enclosed storage or processing areas that are typically heated and ventilated. Daily cleaning keeps dust and dirt at minimal levels.

Employment Policies

All duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time by management, formally or informally, either orally or in writing.