Thrift Store Associate - Multiple Locations (Summit, Mission, & Selah)

About the Role

This position plays a vital role in promoting and embodying the mission, vision, and values of YUGM. This role is responsible for the everyday functions of the processing or retail side of the YUGM thrift stores, including our new Selah location (opening 2026), as well as Mission and Summit Thrift. You may indicate a preference for one area on your application, but placement will depend on current need and fit determined during the interview process.

All Thrift Associate positions are part-time, with opportunities for advancement into full-time roles.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

At YUGM, we are committed to our mission of, “following Christ in helping people move from homelessness to wholeness,” so that every homeless person in Yakima County has the opportunity for permanent life transformation in Jesus Christ. Our mission is rooted in Christian values, and we believe by combining Love + Professionalism, we focus on achieving meaningful Outcomes that transform lives. Relationships are at the heart of our work, guiding how we connect with our clients, our team, and our community.

Core Competencies

• LOVE
  • Enhance Christ’s reputation through personal interactions with others.
  • Pursue God personally, relationally, emotionally, and intellectually.
  • Be present, authentic, and relationally available in all contexts.
  • Demonstrate genuine and sacrificial care for the wellbeing of others.
• PROFESSIONALISM
  • Be consistently punctual and present at work, meetings, and appointments.
  • Meet deadlines and fulfill commitments with thorough follow-through.
  • Proactively measure work to ensure continuous learning and improvement.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• OUTCOMES
  • Pursue constant growth, learning, and improvement.
  • Think creatively, strategically, and spiritually.
  • Be regularly sought after for input and value.
  • Maintain YUGM’s mission clarity and exemplify a Christ-like attitude under stress.

Responsibilities

Cultural and Ministerial Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote YUGM’s Christian beliefs and behaviors, core values, policies, and procedures with a high level of integrity.
• Develop professional, caring, strengths-based relationships built on truth, respect, encouragement, and trust.
• Provide ministry and show kindness and grace to staff, volunteers, clients, donors, and the community.
• Support initiatives that foster a culture of services, compassion, and faith within the workplace.
• Engage in opportunities to pray for individuals, departments, strategic plans, and other YUGM needs.

Retail Functional Responsibilities

• Assist the Retail Management Team in building the team by being an example of “revealing Christ” to all staff, donors, and customers.
• Provide a friendly and joyful welcome to all customers when they enter the store and throughout their shopping experience.
• Assist the Retail Management team in register transactions, including handling cash and credit card payments and non-cash purchases, to ensure accuracy and security.
• Work with the Retail Management Team to establish and maintain customer service standards to ensure compliance with the company mission statement and provide a pleasant shopping experience.
• Maintain the physical appearance of the store on every shift, including restocking janitorial and restroom supplies, removing safety hazards, picking up store merchandise, cleaning parking lots, sidewalks, windows, doors, floors, break rooms, restrooms, and other public areas.
• Maintain and clean fitting rooms on a regular basis.
• Assist store staff in stocking store shelves and clothing racks to provide customers with maximum shopping opportunities.
• Under the direction of the Retail Management team, assist in setting up or changing store displays to provide a pleasant shopping environment and entice customers.
• Communicate daily all events related to customer service issues, register mistakes, employee issues, accidents, and general store operations to the manager.
• Attend all required training events and store meetings to stay current on policy changes, new procedures, and other essential information.

Processing Functional Responsibilities

• Perform required duties within the processing team, including accepting donations, presorting, and pricing merchandise.
• Welcome donors in a timely manner, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued.
• Look for opportunities to pray with donors.
• Handle the receiving and donation process with respect and care, including greeting donors, assisting in unloading donations, sharing the YUGM story, collecting donor information, and issuing receipts.
• Maintain clean and well-organized reception, presort, and processing areas.
• Keep a clean and well-organized personal processing station.
• Adhere daily to all employee policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy and Procedures manual and the YUGM Mission Statement.
• Recognize quality merchandise and seek pricing guidance from the Processing Manager.
• Work and communicate effectively with the Processing Manager, other processing employees, volunteers, and donors daily.
• Serve with fellow employees in a way that promotes a healthy and productive work environment.
• Adhere to daily and weekly production goals.
• Produce quick and accurate work in a fast-paced environment.
• Understand and comply with policies and procedures related to donated items, including prohibited items and pricing guides.
• Effectively use the donation receiving script to communicate appreciation, the YUGM story, and Corner of Your Field to donors.

Requirements

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The primary duties of this position are performed in a well-lit, climate-controlled environment with moderate noise levels. Conditions and physical requirements can vary by position and location. All Thrift Associate positions require significant amounts of walking, standing, bending, balancing, reaching, and lifting.

Pay

$17.13–$18.00 per hour