Production Assistant- Work Study

Join a nonprofit mission that does good in the community in every facet of what we do. We value the impact of green shopping, the diversity and inclusion of our community as a volunteer workforce, teamwork, and continuous improvement which comes from forward thinking team members.  If you're looking for a positive place to learn and grow, these positions provide a great foot in the door to a nonprofit mission that touches every generation in our community.  Learn more about the mission of Mercer Island Youth & Family Services.

The Production Assistant contributes to the Mercer Island Thrift Shop’s success by maximizing store sales through skilled and efficient handling of incoming donations.  

Pay rate $14.50 - $16.50/hour

 Essential Job Functions

• Provide excellent customer service to patrons and donors
  
• Receive, distribute and price donations
  
• Maintain a well-organized production and receiving area
  
• Provide information to donator on acceptable donations according to the store’s best practice guidelines
  
• Maintain visual standards and cleanliness of the department
  
• Stock product to the sales floor and rotates merchandise
  
• Provide quick, friendly and helpful service over the phone
  
• Assist with executing the seasonal merchandise storage-to-floor plan
  
• Monitor reports and production priorities to drive sales
  
• Communicate and cooperate with staff, volunteers and management
  
• Consistently apply safety, loss control and prevention techniques
  
• Handle the organization and clean up of work stations and equipment at the end of each shift.
  
• Model and act in accordance with the City of Mercer Island Vision and Values
  
• Assist with other projects as assigned
  
• Must be available for weekend and evening shifts
  
• Must have regular and predictable work attendance to fulfill the essential functions of the job. 

Educational Benefits

 

This position provides experience working in the retail side of a nonprofit organization, working with a volunteer work force including people with disabilities. Students gain knowledge in merchandising concepts, production processes, maximizing sales for a variety of consumer goods, business planning and reporting functions.  

 

Merit Pay

Work study students can increase their hourly rate 1-5% every 300-500 hours worked through continuous skills growth, performance improvement and goal setting.

Minimum Qualifications and Working Conditions

 

• Ability to stand and work an eight hour shift with rigorous physical activity.
  
• Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs. using appropriate lifting techniques and moving aids
  
• Ability to use a computer and write or type information for others to read
  
• Ability to listen and communicate verbally to volunteers, staff, and the public in an effective manner
  
• Ability to work in a two story building, going up and down stairs frequently
  
• Ability to work around allergy-aggravating used merchandise
  
• Must maintain an open schedule of availability including evenings and weekends outside of class schedule 
  
• Ability to abide by the City’s smoke and drug free working environment policy
  
• Ability to drive a city vehicle; maintain a good driving record and valid driver’s license desired. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

All YFS staff members are required to maintain strict confidentiality and professional/ethical standards required by State and Federal statutes and by Youth & Family Services policy.

Completion of a nationwide and Washington State criminal history background check is required in order to determine any past conviction history of crimes against persons, sexual assault or exploitation, and sexual or physical abuse.

Completion of an I-9 Form documenting eligibility to work in the United States.

Ability to drive a city vehicle; have a good driving record and current and valid Washington state driver’s license.

 

Nonprofit Organization Information

 

Founded in 1970, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services is a department of the City of Mercer Island providing a variety of human services for Mercer Island citizens. The mission of MIYFS is “to provide, coordinate and advocate for affordable, high quality human services for the citizens of Mercer Island”. Our philosophy is that coordinated community resources can help build stronger and healthier families and community by enhancing strengths, identifying problems and choices and sharing resources.

 

Assistance - We provide a safety net for Island residents experiencing a crisis.

Support - We provide programs that improve the health and well being of all Island residents.

Development - We empower Islanders to grow, enrich and strengthen our community.

 

Mercer Island Thrift Shop (MITS) is a nonprofit business operated by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS), a department of the City of Mercer Island. The primary mission of MITS is to raise money to support the programs of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS).

 

 Through the execution of this mission, MITS also provides:

-         Quality goods to customers of all income levels

-         Volunteer opportunities that enable people to:

-         become an active part of the Mercer Island community

-         gain useful skills and job experience

-         fulfill work, school or court ordered community service

-         A place for Mercer Island residents to donate and recycle their household goods

 

Please tell us about your motivation to apply for the position through emailing a targeted cover letter and resume to Suzanne.Philen@mercergov.org

 *This position is for SWS students only* Please contact ose@spu.edu if unsure of eligibility.