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Associate Goodwill Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Retail Sales Associate

Alpena, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Retail Sales Associate

Gaylord, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Retail Sales Associate

Gaylord, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Retail Sales Associate

Alpena, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Retail Sales Associate

Grayling, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Retail Sales Associate

Alpena, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner. * Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender ...

Green Works is a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and is located at 6421 Lynch ... The Reclamation Associate provides flow of raw and/or finished goods, materials and supplies in ...

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Associate Goodwill information

What is the difference between Associate Goodwill vs Retail Associate?

AspectAssociate GoodwillRetail Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require customer service experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit thrift stores, donation centers, community-focused settingsRetail stores, shopping centers, fast-paced environment
Employer & Industry UsageGoodwill Industries, nonprofit sectorPrivate retail companies, department stores
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Goodwill and a Retail Associate lies in their work environment and employer. Associate Goodwill typically works in nonprofit thrift stores or donation centers, focusing on community service, while Retail Associates work in commercial retail stores, often in fast-paced environments. Both roles require similar credentials, but their industry context and organizational goals differ.

What are Associate Goodwill employees?

Associate Goodwill employees are entry-level staff members who work at Goodwill stores, donation centers, or warehouses. Their primary responsibilities include assisting customers, sorting and stocking donated items, maintaining store cleanliness, and supporting daily operations. These associates play a key role in providing a positive shopping experience and helping Goodwill fulfill its mission of supporting community-based programs through the sale of donated goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate at Goodwill, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate at Goodwill, you generally need customer service skills, basic math abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help associates excel in serving customers and collaborating with colleagues. These skills are important to ensure efficient store operations, provide excellent customer experiences, and support Goodwill’s mission.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by an Associate at Goodwill Industries?

As an Associate at Goodwill Industries, you are often responsible for sorting and pricing donations, stocking sales floor merchandise, assisting customers, and maintaining store cleanliness. A common challenge in this role is managing a fast-paced environment, especially during peak donation periods or sales events. You’ll work closely with a diverse team and interact regularly with customers from different backgrounds, which helps develop strong communication and teamwork skills. The position offers valuable retail experience and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized roles within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Goodwill jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Goodwill jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Associate Goodwill jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Associate Goodwill job openings:
Retail Sales Associate

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
The Retail Sales Associate is responsible for processing textiles and wares, maintaining store and merchandise displays, and providing excellent customer service. The position requires operating the cash register, accepting and handling donations, and acting in a security/loss prevention capacity. The Retail Sales Associate will interact with customers, donors, clients, and employees and must maintain a positive and professional image.
Essential Functions:
  1. Ability to operate equipment such as mouse, keyboard, computer, cell phone, and tablet.
  2. Operate a pallet jack and trash compactor.
  3. Unload, accept, sort and tag donations from donors.

Primary Responsibilities:
  1. Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
  2. Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
  3. Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
  4. Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
  5. Perform all day-to-day operational functions of the store, such as running the register, writing sold tickets and receipts, stocking shelves and tables, selling merchandise, rotating goods, assisting customers and donors, and accepting donations.
  6. Be knowledgeable of Goodwill's full range of merchandise and pricing structures.
  7. Set up advertising signs and displays to attract customers and promote sales.
  8. Obtain merchandise requested by customers or receive merchandise selected by customers.
  9. Provide excellent customer service by answering customer questions and assisting with merchandise.
  10. Perform cashier duties, including sales transactions, payments, refunds, asking customers for a donation with 'round up' of their purchase, and end of day register processing.
  11. Be accountable for proper register balances and for preventing unauthorized removal of merchandise from the store.
  12. Wrap or bag merchandise for customers.
  13. Transport purchased merchandise to specified vehicles for customers when needed.
  14. Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including stocking, straightening, and cleaning the sales floor.
  15. Remove empty hangers and outdated merchandise according to the rotation schedule.
  16. Ensure fitting rooms are free of merchandise, removing clothes and re-hang as necessary.
  17. Answer the telephone and provide announcements over the store paging system as needed.
  18. Process and price textiles and wares within established timeframes and meet production goals set by Management.
  19. Expedite merchandise to and from the sales floor.
  20. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
  21. Promote Goodwill in a positive way internally and externally.
  22. Understand and comply with Goodwill's safety program and alert the supervisor of unsafe practices or situations.
  23. Help train new staff and clients as directed by the supervisor.
  24. Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements
Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience: Retail experience is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  1. Ability to work effectively with diverse staff customers, community service volunteers, , and vendors.
  2. Good verbal communication and organizational skills.
  3. Excellent customer service skills.
  4. Ability to work independently and be flexible in a multi-duty environment.
  5. Ability to work within established guidelines.
  6. Ability to operate a forklift is preferred.
  7. Ability to receive and disperse cash accurately and perform basic math functions.
  8. Fundamental ability to understand, accept, and work with people who have disabilities and/or other barriers to employment.
  9. Positive, can-do attitude with a strong commitment to teamwork.
  10. Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:
While performing duties, is required to stand, walk, use hands, talk and/or hear. Reaches with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, twist, turn, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by job include color vision. Often lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds; regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Work is repetitive in nature. May be required to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift.
Other:
Must have reliable means of transportation. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, extended hours, and holidays.