Sewing/ Alteration Specialist

ABOUT TAB:

Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse (TAB) a non-profit organization, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner and other civic-minded citizens of Austin to provide a setting where blind men and women could come to learn skills and create products that were sold door to door.

Today, Travis Association for the Blind stays true to the mission established in 1934 by providing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. We continue to grow and expand the services we provide to blind Texans.

Our Core Values guide us in everything we do: LIGHT: Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart, and Teamwork. TAB offers a variety of benefits to include: 403(b) retirement plan; health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; employee assistance program; life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; employee appreciation events; and more.

Responsibilities

• Operates power sewing machines to sew, alter or repair wearing apparel, backpacks and other fabric articles.
• Alters article according to alteration ticket, fitter's pins, chalk marks, or verbal instructions.
• Locates defects, and repairs article, including ripping of seams and matching sizes and colors of replacement parts.
• May operate automatic sewing machines, utilizing knowledge of threading machines, winding bobbins, adjusting tension, and oiling parts.
• Work is reviewed for accuracy, neatness, and to determine if instructions have been followed.
• Inspect apparel, backpacks and other articles to determine where repairs are need and re-inspect finished article to determine if repairs are complete and meet the standards. (Indirect)
• Inserts or eliminates padding in shoulders, and tapers seams without distorting the product
• Resews garment, using needle and thread or sewing machine.
• Repairs or replaces defective garment parts such as snaps, zippers, buttons, buckles
• Maintains adequate stock of supplies, equipment and working area.
• May supervise activities of sewing machine operator or other related workers.
• Complies with and assists other employees understand and comply with TAB's Safety and Security policies and guidelines.
• Behaves in accordance with the key behaviors aligned with TAB's Core Values of Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart and Teamwork (LIGHT).
• Other duties as assigned

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control and techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Monitoring the performance of yourself to make improvements or take corrective action
• The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions.

• The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
• The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
• Able to read, comprehend and understand information and ideas presented in writing or in alternative form
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Demonstrates sound work ethics
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Communication & Contacts Required

• Employees, departments, & managers

Decision Making/Judgment Required

• Makes decisions as per Standard Operation Procedures and Company Policies

Minimum Education and Experience

• Highschool diploma or equivalent

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to:

• The ability to sit for 7-8 hours a day
• The ability to lift 20lbs items/products repeatedly
• Prolonged periods of working on a sewing machine

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, adjust position for 20% of time
• Ability to work in conditions with varying temperature, including cold and/or heat
• Ability to focus on small stiches/sewing for 6-8 hours a day

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Background Check and Drug Screen required
• Internal and external applicants accepted
• Verifiable documentation of ability to work in the US

Blind and visually impaired individuals are encouraged to apply

TRAVIS ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

TAB provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, TAB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EEO is the law. To review your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit: www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf