OverviewReady to use your retail skills to create a safe, welcoming space for people from all walks of life? The Retail Associate acts in both retail and ministry support capacities to create a fantastic environment for customers of all income levels and backgrounds. This individual facilitates excellent customer service by creating a welcoming environment through the lens of trauma‑informed care, using non‑violent crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques with challenging customers, and through retail best practices. Outreach responsibilities extend to customers that may be looking for support in areas of their lives such as poverty, housing and addiction using all resources UGM has to offer our community in need.Position Type:Permanent, full‑time (37.5 hours per week).Salary:$19.60 to $21.42 per hour.Main Duties & ResponsibilitiesCustomer Support DutiesModel Christ in word and action.Create a calm and compassionate atmosphere by acknowledging each customer, greeting them, and inviting them to feel welcome.Build strong relationships to increase customer retention and provide vulnerable people with a safe place to shop.Apply trauma‑informed care principles to relate to and help meet the needs of guests entering the Thrift.Provide short‑term emotional support for customers in need and refer to other agencies and UGM’s continuum of care.Collaborate with other UGM team members (Hastings Chaplaincy & Outreach, A&D; Recovery Services, Women and Families Centre, Housing)



to assist high‑needs customers.Maintain accurate information on community resources available to guests beyond the Thrift Store.Act as the go‑to for crisis management within the Thrift Store team.Coordinate with UGM Cornerstone/Outreach regarding consistently challenging customers or customers on "breaks." Maintain and update "break" lists.Engage appropriately with customers acting inappropriately or suspected of theft; treat them with dignityand firmness, using de‑escalation techniques to prevent violence.Maintain composure and compassion in the midst of challenging customer situations.Follow procedures related to customers suspected of theft.Peacefully manage customer conflicts via Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention.Maintain accurate records of statistics and important information on guests/clients for future reference through ETO.Retail DutiesAssist customers and answer inquiries.Assist in display of merchandise, including sorting and rotating items.Operate cash register, balance cash, and prepare documentation for credit card sales.Assist with in‑store promotions and replenishing shelf stock.Alert Supervisor to all emergency problems with difficult patrons.Assist with janitorial duties when required, such as cleaning changing rooms, staff lunch room, sweeping floors, dusting display booths, etc.OtherAdhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.KSA’sAgreement with UGM’s Mission Statement and Statement of Faith.Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.Completion of high school required; a diploma or associate degree in social work or social science is an asset.Related work experience required; a mix of experience in retail and outreach or social work or urban ministry is an asset.Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.Background in second‑hand clothing is an asset.Good English skills (verbal, reading, and writing).Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook).Completion of UGM Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention Course.Must be able to lift 50 lbs.Excellent customer service skills.High degree of comfort in a rapid‑paced environment.Working ConditionsWork is generally performed indoors within a retail environment. The employee will spend 80 % of the time standing, operate a cash register intermittently, and use a computer keyboard. Duties require extended periods of standing and/or walking, occasional climbing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, key‑boarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and up to 35 lbs regularly.Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. The employee works amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. The employee is required to work with large sums of cash and in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations. Job requires working with chemicals, frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, or violent, exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. The employee may hear about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.Some weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.Criminal Record CheckDue to the nature of the job and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Retail Associate (Permanent, Full-Time) - $19.6 - $21.4 An Hour (Winnipeg)
🏢 Ugm
📍 Winnipeg