The Ruth’s Closet Sales Associate is an hourly employee. This position does not include benefits. The Sales Associate is responsible for the smooth operation of Ruth’s Closet in the absence of the Store Manager and must therefore have a working knowledge of critical, daily operational systems for Ruth’s Closet, including merchandising, stockroom, sales transactions, donation receiving, and volunteer staffing coverage. The Sales Associate works closely with volunteers to provide quality customer service to shoppers and to donors who are dropping off items at Ruth’s Closet. The Sales Associate works with minimal supervision and is responsible for opening and closing the store, managing the sales floor, sales transactions, volunteer direction and support, and handling emergencies or unanticipated events.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Weekly work schedule: Flexible hours on Thursdays and Fridays and must be available to work every Saturday from 9:30am to 5:30pm
• Open and close Ruth’s Closet, adhering to shop opening and closing routines.
• Operate the cash register and handle sales transactions. Ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the cash register.
• Greet, assist, and make customers feel welcomed.
• Straighten merchandise on the sales floor and fill in displays as items are sold.
• Engage customers by inviting them to sign up for the Ruth’s Closet e-mail list, providing information about Ruth’s Closet, the House of Ruth Maryland, B-More Bags and donation guidelines.
• Accept and process donations dropped off at Ruth’s Closet, including offer and provide assistance as needed to bring donations into the shop, offer a donation receipt to the donor and complete same, and move donations to the designated storage area in the stockroom.
• Answer the telephone and take messages, answer questions, and pass along information as needed.
• Ensure the check-out counter is free of clutter, organized, and well stocked with shopping bags.
• Empty dressing rooms and return garments and other items to the sales floor.
• Attend and participate in volunteer meetings.
• Participate in basic Intimate Partner Violence education in order to increase awareness and the ability to respond appropriately in the event that a customer or volunteer discloses intimate partner violence.
• Assist in preparing for and running special events for Ruth's Closet.
• Troubleshoot operations issues at Ruth's Closet.

• Experience in a position involving customer service required.

• Sales experience in retail environment preferred.

• Experience working with volunteers a plus.

• Must be reliable, including have own transportation.

• Must have high ethical standards and successfully complete a background check.

• Must be highly motivated, able to work independently, and exercise good judgment and discretion.

• Must be able to follow direction and when needed, initiate action and make sound decisions.

• Strong interpersonal skills required.

• Must be outgoing and capable of engaging effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Must demonstrate flexibility and be able to multi-task.

• Must be resourceful, even tempered, and a skilled problem solver.

• Prior cash handling experience is required.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
• An interest in the mission, vision and values of House of Ruth Maryland, Inc.
• Ability to work every Saturday and to be flexible to work extra hours as needed during special store events.