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Associate Goodwill Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

Conducts all business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company Education and/or Experience * Associate's Degree or 2 years related ...

Conducts all business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company Qualifications Education and/or Experience * Associate's Degree or 2 ...

Associate Goodwill information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do associate goodwill jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate goodwill in Fort Wayne, IN is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate goodwill?

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Associate Goodwill jobs in Fort Wayne, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Goodwill jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:

What cities near Fort Wayne, IN are hiring for Associate Goodwill jobs?

Cities near Fort Wayne, IN with the most Associate Goodwill job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Goodwill job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,775 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Retail Associate - Full Time (Huntington)

Huntington, IN • On-site

Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana, Inc.
201 - 500 employees

$13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana, Inc. is looking for Retail Associates for our store in Huntington, IN!
If you're looking for the run of the mill retail job, this isn't it. If you want to serve your community while building your career with an eco-friendly organization, then this might be the perfect opportunity for you!
Goodwill's mission is to Empower and prepare people for independence through training, personal growth and work. Goodwill stores support this mission by collecting and selling goods donated by the community.
As a Retail Associate, you are the face of the organization! You can expect to assist with purchases, operating the cash register accurately and effectively. You will be maintaining the sales floor, stocking and organizing merchandise. With attention to detail, you will sort and grade donations and price items for the salesfloor. When a donor arrives, you help bring the donation into the building and issue a tax receipt. Every day brings something different!
Are you able to operate a POS terminal and count back change? Can you lift, push or pull up to 20 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. occasionally and 100 lbs. occasionally? Are you friendly? Do you have excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast paced and changing environment? If so, you might just be perfect for this position!
Goodwill offers competitive wages and we pay bi-weekly. We offer great full-time benefits including medical, dental and vision; a 401K plan; life insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP); holiday pay; paid time off (PTO), and in store discounts. We also offer set rotating schedules, and there is no working the "late shift"!
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply today! You may apply online or in person at the store!
Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana is an equal opportunity employer.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Operates cash register, gives correct change and receipt, and bags purchases.
  2. Accepts credit cards for purchase according to established procedures.
  3. Watches for illegal activity and alerts management.
  4. Keeps cash register area orderly and stocked with necessary supplies.
  5. Maintains floor and fitting rooms during business hours.
  6. Refers customer problems to management.
  7. Sorts, hangs, tags and clothing donations according to established guidelines.
  8. Pulls items according to established procedures.
  9. Meets established production standards.
  10. Heavy lifting, pushing and pulling required.
  11. Handles all aspects of customer service in a professional manner.
  12. Follows all safety rules and practices.
  13. Performs all other duties as may be assigned by management in the process of carrying out the mission of Goodwill Industries.
  14. In order to promote customer and donor satisfaction it is mandatory for employees who come in contact with the public to maintain a positive work outlook and to project a pleasant, courteous, and helpful demeanor at all times when dealing with customers, donors, co-workers, and clients.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Assists customers in locating merchandise and prices.
  2. Displays merchandise in windows/display cases.
  3. Answers telephone and other inquiries regarding donation sites/policies.
  4. Attends monthly store meetings.

ATTENDANCE
Goodwill, your co-workers, and our customers depend on you to be at work as scheduled.
An assigned rotation allows you to plan around your work schedule.
JOB PERFORMANCE
Reviewed upon initial hire at 30, 60 and 90 days, and annually thereafter, by the Store Manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
EDUCATION
No specialized educational requirements; will train.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of three months working experience required
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / COMPETENCIES
  1. Ability to make change.
  2. Basic literacy (to complete forms).

CREDENTIALS / LICENSES / SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
  1. Subject to background check
  2. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
  3. Ability to work within the team concept
  4. Subject to random alcohol and drug testing as specified in the Drug-Free Workplace Program.
  5. Fully comply with Goodwill's Code of Ethics.

COMMUNITY INTERACTION
Contact with customers, donors, and co-workers.
EQUIPMENT
  1. POS terminal, credit card machine.
  2. Carts, z- racks, gaylord boxes.
  3. Gloves for sorting donations.
  4. Tagger guns.

COMPLEXITY
Work that is routine or repetitive, requiring the use of numerous readily understood rules and procedures in which the employee may make decisions that could affect the efficiency, accuracy, or correctness of work.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidential information involved.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Activities:
  1. Substantial: vision, grasping, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, and walking.
  2. Considerable: talking.
  3. Moderate: crouching, hearing, and stooping.
  4. Occasional: none.
  5. Nominal: crawling, kneeling, climbing, and repetitive motions.

Other Activities:
N/A
Physical Requirements:
Heavy work: Pushing and pulling up to 100 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently to move objects.
The ability to fully perform lifting and moving duties is mandatory.
Environmental Conditions:
The worker is subject to indoor environmental conditions.
CODE OF ETHICS
All employees are responsible for being knowledgeable about Goodwill's code of ethics and respective policies and procedures, and for conducting themselves accordingly. Ethical conduct is expected at all times in all matters, whether or not a particular issue is specifically addressed in agency policies or procedures. Employees are expected to bring any questions about whether or not a specific situation presents a potential conflict with this policy to the attention of their manager.
EEO CLAUSE
It is the Agency's policy to afford equal opportunity to all regardless of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or any other class protected by law, and to provide a work environment free of bias based on such categories. Any and all employment decisions will be administered in a non-discriminatory manner.
SAFETY STANDARDS
All employees are responsible for adhering to all published safety policies as well as the implementation of specific standards that may be assigned. Employees are expected to report unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. Supervisors are responsible for safety issues in assigned areas - ensure that all employees are informed and adhere to all safety policies/issues, use proper reporting mechanisms for dealing with safety hazards or incidents, and personally adhere to safety rules.
HARASSMENT
All employees are responsible for avoiding offensive or inappropriate behavior at work and are responsible for assuring the workplace is free from any type of harassment at all times. Employees are expected to be familiar with and follow all published procedures, including reporting incidences and cooperating with investigations.
Salary Description
$13.00 per hour