Processing Associate

About Us

Homeward Trust Edmonton (Homeward Trust) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.

Homeward Trust coordinates and provides resources for local efforts that address homelessness and its devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities. We work with agencies, neighbourhoods, mainstream systems, community members, and all orders of government in pursuit of this singular objective, grounded in the belief that we can and will end homelessness in Edmonton. Homeward Trust is proud that our community is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in this work.

Find Furniture Bank (Find) is part of Homeward Trust Holding Company (HTHC) a not-for-profit organization that operates companies in support of the mission of ending homelessness.

Find is a social enterprise, operating in partnership with Homeward Trust Foundation (HTF) and housing-focused community agencies.  Find's goals are to provide essential furnishings free of charge to individuals and families who are moving out of homelessness and to supply low-cost, quality furniture and housewares for sale to the public. 

Find's creation has its roots in the realization that access to affordable furniture was a key component in allowing the homeless to be housed, and housing sustainability. 

For further information visit: 

Position Summary

At your core, you should be passionate about helping people. We work with a diverse group of people to help our most vulnerable friends transition out of homelessness and into their new home through the Housing Support program and human connection is a must. You are excited to work in a high energy environment; you are organized and detail oriented and you love not just achieving goals but crushing them

Duties and Responsibilities

The Processing Associate – Specialty works primarily in the processing area of the store, helping manage the flow of incoming donations. Items are sorted and placed in appropriate areas for further handling. This role involves a high level of interaction with the public, so the Processing Associate – Specialty must be able to cheerfully engage with donors and customers in a variety of situations. Tasks may vary based on operational needs, and team members will be placed in roles that best match their strengths.

Sorting 

• Sort and direct items received into proper designated areas and bins 
• Evaluate household items for quality, condition and visual appearance 
• Clean items thoroughly to display in our stores for sale 
• Price items by following established pricing guidelines and affix price tags to items as required 
• Move merchandise to the sales floor and place in the appropriate area(s) 
• Participate in recycling initiatives (blue bin and electronic) 
  
  

Housing Support

• Prepare and mark boxed dish sets and pot/pan sets for the Housing Support program 
• Remove and stage Housing Support picks as per client chart in assigned warehouse bay(s) from the retail floor 
• Receive and account for product orders (beds, vacuums, cribs, and additional product) on receipt from suppliers 
• Assembly of pre-purchased furniture as directed 
  
  

Testing 

• Ensure the functionality of electronic/mechanical items for Housing Support/Retail floor.
• Clean and repair items as per established policies and procedure. 
• Dispose of unsellable electronics as per established safe disposal methods. 
• Merchandise and place product as per store layout and in conjunction with front store staff guidance. 
• Maintain cleanliness of work area and general warehouse space. 
• Additional Duties as assigned. 

Steam Cleaning

• Conduct daily morning checks of the steam cleaner, ensuring that it is properly filled with the appropriate levels of chemicals for effective operation.
• Maintain a safe work environment by organizing the workspace, securely stacking furniture, and strictly adhering to provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines and professional training provided by Thermax.
• Assess the volume of furniture requiring cleaning and formulate a daily cleaning plan that considers the requirements of Housing Support, retail, and the online store. Prioritize the Housing Support initiative.
• Thoroughly inspect furniture items for signs of damage, such as rips, tears, cleanliness issues, and any indications of pests like bed bugs or rodents.
• Perform vacuuming on furniture pieces to ensure that no debris remains lodged in crevices and folds.
• Keep track of the steam cleaner's usage by maintaining a checklist of fill frequency.
• Conduct routine checks of filters, tubes, and other components to identify and remove debris that might impact the steam cleaning process.
• Familiarity with various chemicals used in the cleaning process, including Anti Foam, Citrus, and Powerhouse cleaner, and the ability to use them in appropriate proportions (equal parts 12 oz.).
• Ensure a dry and safe working area by effectively using a squeegee to eliminate excess moisture on the floor during and after the cleaning process.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum of High School or GED equivalent. 
• Open and transparent communication skills – written and verbal. 
• Availability Monday through Sunday with flexibility to work evening as required.
• Experience in excellent customer service.  
• Ability to work in steel toe shoes/boots. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  
• Ability to stand for long periods of time. 
• Solid analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 
• Clear criminal record check.

If you are a team-oriented, innovative, and goal-driven individual who is passionate about helping others, this role is perfect for you Join Find's fun and focused work culture and help end homelessness in Edmonton.

At Find, our strength comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team.  We are an open, welcoming and flexible workplace and strongly encourage everyone interested in joining us to apply.