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Mail Handler Assistant Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Mail Handler Assistant information

See Salem, OR salary details

$28.7K

$44.6K

$53.3K

How much do mail handler assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for mail handler assistant in Salem, OR is $44,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $48,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mail handler assistant?

A mail handler assistant performs a variety of duties related to loading and unloading mail deliveries. In this career, you process parcels and letters, sort them for delivery, and maintain postal worker equipment, such as mail bags or delivery boxes that go on delivery trucks. Qualifications for the job include a mix of career experience and skills. You should have a high school diploma or GED certificate, the ability to follow directions closely, a keen eye for organization and detail, and physical stamina.

What is a mail handler assistant?

A Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) is a non-career, entry-level position within the United States Postal Service (USPS). MHAs are responsible for loading, unloading, and moving mail and packages in postal facilities. They operate sorting machines, transport mail across the work floor, and help prepare large volumes of mail for distribution. This role is physically demanding and often requires working nights, weekends, and holidays. MHAs are typically hired on a temporary basis, but the position can serve as a stepping stone to permanent postal employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mail handler assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mail Handler Assistant, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic literacy, with a high school diploma or equivalent typically required. Familiarity with mail sorting machines, conveyor belts, and barcode scanners is important for efficient processing. Strong teamwork, time management, and reliability are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring timely and accurate handling of mail in a fast-paced postal environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by a mail handler assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Mail Handler Assistants often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, handling heavy packages, and maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines. The work can be physically demanding, especially during peak mailing seasons. To manage these challenges, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, stay organized, and communicate effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to workflow changes and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can also help new hires succeed in this role.

How many hours does a mail handler assistant work?

A mail handler assistant typically works full-time hours, which are usually around 40 hours per week, often scheduled during regular daytime shifts. Overtime may be required during peak mailing seasons, and schedules can include evenings or weekends depending on operational needs.

Is being a mail handler assistant worth it?

A mail handler assistant is responsible for sorting, processing, and distributing mail in postal facilities, often working in a fast-paced environment. The position typically offers full-time hours, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, making it a stable entry-level job in the postal service industry.

What are popular job titles related to Mail Handler Assistant jobs in Salem, OR?

For Mail Handler Assistant jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mail Handler Assistant jobs in Salem, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Mail Handler Assistant jobs in Salem, OR are:

What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Mail Handler Assistant jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Mail Handler Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Mail Handler Assistant job openings in Salem, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,646 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

$25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

OUR MISSION: MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty.
Our Vision: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to
reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.
Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits - but we consider the best benefit here to be the reward of helping those in our community live better lives. Come find meaningful work and bring your skills as an On-call Site Assistant. This position provides direct support to sheltering services at the ARCHES Project sites in Polk and Marion counties. Responsibilities include supporting daily operations including cleaning and laundry services, clerical duties, data collection & entry, assisting clients with navigation to resources, and other special projects as needed. This position will work exclusively in an on-call capacity and will not receive a regular work assignment. This team offers a lot of growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.
On-Call, up to 19 hours per week
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Two years of work experience in a public or social services role.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION
  • Driver Qualification Status is not required for this position.
  • Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
  • Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
  • Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
  • Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of/or experience working with the homeless, vulnerable, or at-risk populations is preferred.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills, in both written and oral form.
  • Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners.

WHAT YOU WILL DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
  • Provides program support, such as: cleaning, site upkeep, laundry and supportive services.
  • Provides client engagement and assistance, including answering the telephone, monitoring client and facility safety.
  • Works with support staff regarding follow-up to services, assisting with meal preparation and distribution;
  • Facilitates access to guest laundry and computers;
  • Opens and distributes incoming mail, handles outgoing mail.
  • Employs de-escalation techniques and makes quick decisions in response to guest or client incidents.
  • Provides support services for the programs offered through the ARCHES Project.
  • Assists with program operations including HMIS data entry for clients, follow-up with clients, assisting clients with navigation to resources, general data entry, and other special projects as needed.
  • Attends and engages in required annual trainings.
  • Performs cleaning, janitorial, and laundry tasks in support of day-to-day sheltering operations.
  • Supports nutrition staff as needed by completing various kitchen tasks, including cooking meals.
  • Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.
  • Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
  • Specific vision abilities are required of this position. Frequently required to hear and speak.
  • Regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity for handling personal items, food, clothing, sacks, carts and use of computers and written in-take processing.
  • Incidental driving tasks may be requested for employees with a personal vehicle and proof of current auto insurance.
  • Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
  • Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
  • Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks as outlined by a supervisor.
  • Requires multi-tasking, including the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and guests.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Indoor and outdoor work environments with frequent interruptions, demands, and noise.
  • Close quarters, often with a public client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
  • Exposure to trash and potential biohazards.
  • This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.
  • Shift options may vary between early morning, evening and nights, including overnight shifts.
  • Ability to accept on-call work, frequently with short notice (for example, same day for a call-out).

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.
**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.
Note that compensation for each role at MWVCAA is based off a number of factors such as experience and education.
If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.