Volunteer

Description

To assist the Shop Manager and other volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the COPE Galway Charity Shop. 

Location: Newtownsmith, Galway H91 HY4E 

Available shift times: Morning Shift 10am-2pm. Afternoon Shift 2pm-5.30pm 

Commitment: Minimum 1 shift, 3-month minimum commitment 

Responsible to: Charity Shop Manager  

Level of English required: Intermediate 

Service description 

The COPE Galway Charity Shop is run by a paid manager, assistant manager and a team of around 20 volunteers, who kindly donate their time and effort.  

The shop sells donated ladies’, men’s and children’s clothes, accessories and jewellery, books, CDs/DVDs.  The shop is a vital source of revenue for our services.  

What’s involved?  

• Maintaining shop standards  
• Customer Service: greeting and interacting with customers 
• Till duties and cash handling 
• Vigilance in the shop for security against shoplifting 
• Maximising the income from donations  
• Ambassador for COPE Galway to the public  

We encourage our shop volunteers to develop an understanding of all aspects of the shop's work so that they can support the whole team as necessary.  

The duties outlined in the role description may be subject to review in the future. 

Manual Handling Training must be completed before commencement. Training will be provided.  

Personal Specification  

• Minimum 6 months experience in a retail environment. 
• A reliable, punctual and trustworthy team player with a warm friendly manner.  
• A good communicator who can listen and respond sensitively to people.  
• Non-judgmental and accepting attitude.  
• Have an interest in the shop and an enthusiasm for raising money through its work.  
• An understanding of the work of Cope Galway. 

What will you get out of it? 

• Join a fun, welcoming team while meeting and working with new people 
• The opportunity to develop social and experiential competencies such as 
• Developing knowledge and gaining practical experience relative to this role 
• Gaining communication and customer service skills 
• Building confidence 
• Adding valuable experience to your CV 
• References available once the minimum commitment has been made 
• The option to access other training courses as appropriate to the role 
• The opportunity to contribute to a local Galway charity and help us realise our vision of creating a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life 
• Great personal satisfaction since you can make a real difference to our service users 

What we would like from you 

• Willingness to work within the values and policies of COPE Galway 
• Carry out your role in professional manner and maintain a respectful and courteous manner in dealing with clients 
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of all matters which come to their knowledge while volunteering 
• Please do not undertake duties outside this role description without checking first with your Volunteer Manager/Lead Worker 
• Adhere to the “Volunteer Agreement” which includes their rights and responsibilities as outlined in our Volunteer Handbook 

Will there be induction and training? 

• You will receive a local induction and introduction to the role before you start.  
• You will be offered service specific training required for the role.  
• Other training includes:  
• Trauma Informed Practice (online module) 
• ‘Stop & Think’ Reflective Workshops 
• You will have the opportunity to participate in ‘On-boarding Induction’ with fellow volunteers and staff. 
• Cope Galway will provide ongoing support and supervision through one-to-one and group meetings which you will be informed about while you are volunteering. 

Recruitment Process 

Successful applicants will be offered the volunteer role subject to the following 

• 2 completed reference checks.  
• Manual Handling Certificate must be in place before commencement. 
• Volunteers commencing with COPE Galway are subject to a trial period. 

Our Values, Our Work, Our People 

Our Vision is a community where every person is valued, cared for, and supported at every stage of life.   

Our Mission is to make a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities. COPE Galway is committed to becoming a Trauma Informed Organisation through an implementation plan that includes training for all staff and volunteers across all roles and departments.  

Our People are supported by regular support and guidance, and access to our Employee/Volunteer Assistance Programme. 

COPE Galway is committed to becoming a Trauma Informed Organisation through an implementation plan that includes training for all staff and volunteers across all roles and departments. 

Everything we do is guided by the COPE Galway Approach to help us achieve our vision of a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life.   

Is training provided?:Yes

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

• Maintaining shop standards  
• Customer Service: greeting and interacting with customers 
• Till duties and cash handling 
• Vigilance in the shop for security against shoplifting 
• Maximising the income from donations  
• Ambassador for COPE Galway to the public  

We encourage our shop volunteers to develop an understanding of all aspects of the shop's work so that they can support the whole team as necessary

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Join a fun, welcoming team while meeting and working with new people 
• The opportunity to develop social and experiential competencies such as 
• Developing knowledge and gaining practical experience relative to this role 
• Gaining communication and customer service skills 
• Building confidence 
• Adding valuable experience to your CV 
• References available once the minimum commitment has been made 
• The option to access other training courses as appropriate to the role 
• The opportunity to contribute to a local Galway charity and help us realise our vision of creating a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life 
• Great personal satisfaction since you can make a real difference to our service users 

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 14:00 or 14:00 - 18:00

Minimum time commitment per week:
4 hours p/week

Additional screening required for this role::
Application, References, Informal Interview, Manual Handling

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
ATU - GALWAY, UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY