Summary

U-turn is looking for a sales associate to join the Canal Walk team immediately. The position is a one-year full-time position. They will report directly to the store manager.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help homeless people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turn’s Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development-based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling, and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and worksite managers, assists clients along the full Life Change journey.

Social Enterprises

Actual work experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn’s social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent sales services and satisfying
• Customers’ needs and wants. Converting buyers into supporters.
• Interact with customers daily. Providing friendly and helpful service will contribute to a positive experience for all parties involved
• Maintain outstanding store conditions, cleanliness and visual Merchandising standards.
• Assist with the sales process including operating the Point of Sale
• Assist with stock control including ensuring the store is fully stocked and receiving and rotation of new or dated stock. (Includes purchased goods as well)
• Responsible for the running of the retail store when the manager is not present.
• Supervise champions based at the site and liaise with manager regarding any feedback
• Use and contribute to existing planning and record-keeping systems.
• Following Procedures and Protocols: They must adhere to U-turn’s policies and procedures regarding stock management, safety and security.

Experience and Skills

• A collaborative team player – concerned with the team’s success as well as individual performance
• Emotionally mature individuals who are not easily flustered.

Personal attributes

• Passion for U-turn’s mission and values.
• Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at homeless.org.za/internship-form. The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge and skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL