Training and Development Associate - Santa Cruz

Company: Goodwill Central Coast
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Description JOB SUMMARY The Training & Development Associate provides training and coaching to both Workforce Development Services and Donated Goods and Retail employees on-site at designated retail stores in order to develop hard and soft skills and communicate effectively across all departments. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Provide training and support to WDS and DGR employees assigned to donated goods worksites through programs such as CalWorks. This includes training in basic duties of sales associate, ecommerce associate, processor, and/or material handler. Document performance of individuals assigned through weekly performance assessments; identifies work performance concerns and addresses issues with the employees and the Employment Services Specialist. Greet store customers: offer assistance and suggestions to customers in making product selections. Ring up sales on cash register, while training only, following cash handling procedures. Place/display inventory on sales floor, following defined procedures. Straighten and/or rearrange merchandise to increase customer appeal and ensure a neat and safe work environment. Assist with stock rotation and markdowns, as directed by the Store Manager or designee. Prepare store donations and rotate merchandise for transfer to the central processing plant. Communicate problems, complaints, potential theft and/or safety issues to the Store Manager, Director of Training & Development, and Employment Specialist. Ensures completion of all in-store training for WDS and DGR employees. Sets work schedules with the store manager or designee; assigns work tasks to WDS employees. In concert with the Store Manager and T&D Director, modifies work stations or specific assignments to meet limitations of individuals with disabilities. Trains, enforces, and displays positive worker traits, including conduct, performance, and attendance standards. Performs designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the Outcome Measurement System. SECONDARY DUTIES Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications JOB SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION REQUIRED : High school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent, preferred. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQ’D: May require a valid California class C driver license, depending on specific location. . EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Two years of experience in a donated goods environment (retail or production), or equivalent. One year of experience in a supervisory or lead role. One year of experience working with individuals with obstacles to employment. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED : Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, general c ompany policies and procedures (this may be learned on-the-job). Knowledge and understanding of obstacles to retaining successful employment and possess the necessary skills to effectively engage employees Familiarity with electronic cash registers and POS systems. EQUIPMENT USED : Typical retail store and donated goods equipment; typical office equipment SKILLS/APTITUDES/TEMPERAMENTS : Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate in basic Spanish desirable. Ability to assess WDS employee progress and performance. Ability to understand and follow program-specific policies and procedures. Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Standard Operating Procedures. Ability to train store and related donated goods procedures, both individually and in groups. Ability to demonstrate satisfactory attendance, as outlined in Goodwill policy. Ability to communicate effectively with WDS, DGR, and T&D. Ability to recognize and make recommendations for treatment of behaviors that are obstacles to performance such as limited and underdeveloped work habits, poor health and hygiene, and low self-esteem. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of individuals in terms of cultural diversity, physical limitations, economic hardship, learning disabilities, or any other areas of difference or barriers to employment that participants may have. Ability to understand others’ feelings and personal viewpoints. Ability to maintain stable working relationships with all employees. Ability to adhere to safe work practices as documented in Company safety policies; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly to supervisor or safety committee member. EMOTIONAL EFFORT: The job requires some emotional effort involving occasional short deadlines and requiring some overtime. The work environment is characterized by occasional high activity/ demand. JOB SETTING Work is typically performed in an enclosed storeroom floor or in a processing area. Some areas are heated and ventilated; some locations are less climactically controlled. The working/standing surface is uniform. Dust and dirt are controlled by daily cleaning of the work area, and are usually insignificant. Radios and televisions may be turned on. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work pace is steady with regular standing and walking. Frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 15 lbs., with occasional lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs., is required. Heavier items (26 lbs. or more) are moved by using appropriate material handling equipment and/or assistance from another person. Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform required tasks. SUPPLEMENTAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Standing Regularly, 31-70% of the time Walking Regularly, 31-70% of the time Sitting Consistently, 71-100% of the time Bending Rarely, 0-10% of the time Pushing/pulling Rarely, 0-10% of the time Twisting None Climbing Rarely, 0-10% of the time Squatting/kneeling Rarely, 0-10% of the time Lifting/carrying Regularly, 31-70% of the time (10 lbs. or less) Occasionally, 11-30% of time (11-25 lbs.) Longest distance carried: 20 feet Heaviest item carried: 25 lbs. Hand/Shoulder/Foot: Simple grasping Regularly, 31-70% of the time Power grasping Rarely, 0-10% of the time Fine manipulation Regularly, 31-70% of the time Reaching at or above shoulder level Occasionally, 11-30% of the time Reaching at or below shoulder level Occasionally, 11-30% of the time Operate foot controls or Repetitive foot movement None (other than walking) JOB MODIFICATION: The physical aspect of the position may be able to be modified, depending on the specific modification and the duration of the modification required.

Keywords: Goodwill Central Coast, Concord , Training and Development Associate - Santa Cruz, Retail - All , Santa Cruz, California