Casual Thrift Store Donations & Retail Associate

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team as a Thrift Store Donations & Retail Assistant.

About Us:

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980. Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary:

As a Donations & Retail Sales Associate, you will support the effective daily operations of the Thrift Store by ensuring a positive, organized, and service-focused environment. This role is responsible for receiving and processing donations, maintaining a clean and well-merchandised sales floor, and delivering consistent, high-quality customer service. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to representing Kelowna Women’s Shelter’s (KWS) values contribute directly to an efficient retail operation and a positive experience for both donors and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Retail

Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner and ensure store is welcoming at all times;

Assist with displays and inventory prices, in consultation with the TS Manager and TS team members/volunteers;

Sorting and pricing items;

Stocking shelves and racks;

Displaying items and maintaining display areas.

Placing and replacing signage;

Processing purchases via established store POS system with various forms of payment;

Register float maintenance, transaction records, securing cash and deposits;

Process smaller donations at sales counter;

Daily opening and closing procedures;

Ensure cash area is tidy and organized at all times; and

Any other duties required to maintain the store’s day-to-day operations.

Donations

Greet and thank donors warmly, creating a respectful and positive experience.

Accept or respectfully decline donations based on established guidelines.

Communicate the mission and impact of KWS to new and existing donors.

Safely handle, lift, and carry donation items up and down outdoor steps.

Sort and triage donations into appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, books, electronics).

Maintain cleanliness and organization in the donation area.

Teamwork

Collaborate with volunteers in the sorting, pricing and organizing of incoming donations and the recycling of unsuitable donations.

Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in the orientation, training of TS team members/volunteers.

Bring any personnel concerns to the attention of the TS Manager, where necessary.

Assist the TS Team Lead and Manager to recognize TS volunteers and donors.

Participate in regular team meetings.

Contributes to a collaborative work climate which attracts, maintains, and motivates team members and volunteers.

Promotions

Assist in the promotion of the Thrift Store, as delegated by the TS Manager and/or TS Team Lead, by responding to inquiries and/or participating in public events or advertisements.

Facilities

Identify the need for supplies, equipment and/or fixtures and bring to the attention of the TS Manager. If assigned, ensure all necessary paperwork is completed, distributed and/or filed per policy, procedure and/or process.

Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, as delegated by the TS Team Lead or TS Manager, and ensure the Thrift Store and sorting room are organized and clean.

Policies

Adhere to all policies, procedures and processes of KWS and KWS Thrift Store.

Identify potential changes required in Thrift Store policies, procedures and/or processes, directly to the TS Manager.

Health & Safety

Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures of the Thrift Store as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Workers Compensation Act.

Information and Record-Keeping

Assist the TS Team Lead…