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
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Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner and ensure store is welcoming at all times;
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Assist with displays and inventory prices, in consultation with the TS Manager and TS team members/volunteers;
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Sorting and pricing items;
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Stocking shelves and racks;
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Displaying items and maintaining display areas.
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Placing and replacing signage;
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Processing purchases via established store POS system with various forms of payment;
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Register float maintenance, transaction records, securing cash and deposits;
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Process smaller donations at sales counter;
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Daily opening and closing procedures;
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Ensure cash area is tidy and organized at all times; and
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Any other duties required to maintain the store’s day-to-day operations.
Donations
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Greet and thank donors warmly, creating a respectful and positive experience.
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Accept or respectfully decline donations based on established guidelines.
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Communicate the mission and impact of KWS to new and existing donors.
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Safely handle, lift, and carry donation items up and down outdoor steps.
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Sort and triage donations into appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, books, electronics).
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Maintain cleanliness and organization in the donation area.
Teamwork
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Collaborate with volunteers in the sorting, pricing and organizing of incoming donations and the recycling of unsuitable donations.
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Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in the orientation, training of TS team members/volunteers.
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Bring any personnel concerns to the attention of the TS Manager, where necessary.
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Assist the TS Team Lead and Manager to recognize TS volunteers and donors.
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Participate in regular team meetings.
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Contributes to a collaborative work climate which attracts, maintains, and motivates team members and volunteers.
Promotions
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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
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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.
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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
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Adhere to all policies, procedures and processes of KWS and KWS Thrift Store.
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Identify potential changes required in Thrift Store policies, procedures and/or processes, directly to the TS Manager.
Health & Safety
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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
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Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager with completion and/or filing of daily sales records, cash register and point-of-sales (POS) receipts, manually balancing register and all other necessary forms, including those for donated items given away to clients or others.
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Provide feedback to the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in all aspects of store operations, including customer, volunteer and donor feedback, and personal observations.
Requirements:
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Minimum 1 year of retail, thrift store or customer service experience is an asset.
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office, POS systems and other relevant computer software programs is an asset.
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Basic math skills with the ability to manually calculate totals, make change, and reconcile cash transactions accurately.
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Frequent carrying, bending, lifting, and twisting with merchandise weighing up to 30 lbs while navigating stairs.
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Tasks may involve repetitive movements and handling of donations in varying sizes and weights.
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Ability to stand for long periods of time.
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Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
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Respect for donor confidentiality and dignity.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Alignment with the mission and values of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Society.
Additional Requirements:
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Must be available for a minimum 8 shifts per month, including two Saturdays.
Location: Kelowna Women’s Thrift Store, Kelowna, BC
Hours of Work:
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Varies based on the needs of the store
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Store hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday
Pay: $24.33/hour
Why Join Us? Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to create safer, more empowered communities. Apply now to be a part of our dedicated team at Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
How to Apply? If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Join us in making a difference! Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.
We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
