About the role

The Salvation Army Stores are vibrant places where great things happen: generous people donate amazing items, customers enjoy an ever-changing selection of goods, volunteers gain friendships and share experiences, all whilst raising much-needed funds to assist the most vulnerable in your community.

Retail Assistants play a key role in helping with sales, merchandising and quality control. They support the Store Manager in ensuring quality customer service on the shop floor or at point of sale, assisting in processing donations as well as maintaining the general appearance and upkeep of the store area. Together, Retail Assistants play a key role in fostering a culture of inclusiveness and community spirit amongst the team, which in turn enhances the customer experience in the store.

Key tasks and responsibilities

· Customer Service: With your friendly and engaging personality, ensure all customers are warmly greeted and provide guidance to the store’s areas and inform of any specials. Also provide guidance and assistance to those who are donating items and to community members referred to the store for material aid support.

· Displays and merchandising: With the guidance of the store manager, ensure items are displayed attractively and safely. Bring your attention to detail to ensure thoroughfares are clear, and floors and displays are clean and fresh.

· Team work: Assist the point of sale team by helping customers carry their items to the sales counter where required. Assist the donation sorting team by bringing donations to the sorting area.

· Safety: Help ensure safety equipment and the staff areas and amenities are kept clear of hazards and are tidy and clean.

Qualifications and skills

· Experience in retail, sales and customer service preferred but not mandatory as volunteers are always supported with on the job training.

Mandatory Requirements

· Required to fully complete TSA mission volunteer induction, training and registration process.

· Salvation Army, code of conduct training, work-safe and child-safe practices. ​

Capabilities and personal attributes

· Manage self: Shows personal motivation and commitment to completing work activities effectively.

· Act ethically and with integrity: Is reliable and trustworthy and acts consistent with TSA vision, mission and values.

· Show respect: Seeks input from others to better understand diverse perspectives and needs.

· Display resilience: Remains open to new ideas and approaches.

· Work collaboratively: Works as a supportive and cooperative team member, shares information and acknowledges the contribution and support of others.

· Innovate and continuously improve: Shares ideas about ways to improve work tasks and solve problems; adopts improvements and innovations.

Development opportunities with this role

This role will give volunteers an opportunity to develop skills and build experience in retail practices, valuations of donations, sorting and stocking of shelves, as well as experience in working as a part of a team. Volunteers will receive on the job training and support, working alongside experienced retail professionals in a caring and supportive environment.