Retail Volunteer Store Assistant - Multiple shops across Essex

As a Volunteer Shop Assistant, you will assist in the tasks necessary for the successful running of our charity shops around mid-Essex. We can offer flexible hours and tasks to suit you - either front of house - where you will be greeting, serving and assisting customers, or behind the scenes sorting through and preparing donations. You will have the opportunity to develop customer service skills and utilise good communication and interpersonal skills whilst working in a busy team with both volunteers and staff. The role is varied and can be tailored to suit you and your skills/what you are looking to develop. We welcome all applications and can also accommodate DofE and college students. 

Where do we have vacancies?

We currently have volunteer vacancies across all of our retail stores at different times throughout the week. Our stores are in the following locations:

· Chelmsford High Street (Full Circle)

· Galleywood

· Writtle

· Moulsham Street (Chelmsford)

· Broomfield Road (Chelmsford)

· Braintree (Homeware)

· Braintree (Fashion)

· Maldon High Street

· Maldon Warehouse

· Gloucester Avenue (Chelmsford)

· South Woodham Ferrers

· Heybridge

· Boreham

· Southminster

· Witham

What skills do I need?

When can you help?

We offer flexible opportunities throughout the week

Typical tasks include:

· Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way

· Promoting our campaigns and in store sales to customers

· Working on window and shop displays

· Keeping the store tidy, clean and well organised

· Interacting with the general public

· Communicating with shop managers, staff and fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking

· Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments

· Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns

What are we looking for?

· You don’t need any specific skills or experience to volunteer but a positive attitude and excellent customer service skills are an advantage

· Experience in retail would be desirable, but not necessary

How we will support you

We can offer you ‘taster’ sessions in order for you to see what volunteering with us will be like. Once you decide you wish to continue volunteering, we will ensure you are shown how to carry out each of the tasks and are fully trained in the jobs you do with guidance from the store manager. We will ensure that you familiarise yourself and comply with the Health and Safety Policy, Fire Procedure, Manual Handling, GDPR and any other training where appropriate.

What are the minimum requirements?

You need to have the physical ability to fulfil the requirements of the role including safe moving and handling of donations.

What you can get from volunteering:

· A chance to work in a friendly team, make new friends and meet a diverse group of people

· The time to develop your confidence and interpersonal skills

· The ability to gain valuable retail work experience to add onto your CV and to learn new skills

· Flexibility to fit with your lifestyle

Interests

• Health and Social Care
• No specific interest
• Older People

Activities

• General Helping
• Practical Skills
• Retail
• Supporting Charities