Thread Together Store Volunteer - Learning Bank
Are you passionate about fashion, community welfare, or the environment?
Do you have retail and / or customer service experience?
Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives through clothing?
We are taking applications for volunteers to add value to the delivery of the Thread Together Store. This is an exciting program at the Learning Bank community space in Victoria Street North Richmond, a partnership between Yarra City Council and the Victorian Government.
You will provide a friendly face and engaging shopping experience for vulnerable community members using the store, whilst helping reduce unsold clothing going to landfill.
You will benefit by meeting new people, learning new skills in a retail environment, whilst having fun and receiving training and support throughout your volunteering experience.
This volunteer position offers a variety of time commitments; from 2 hours a week to once a month (flexible).
For more information contact the Learning Bank learningbank@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION |
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ROLE TITLE: |
Thread Together Store Volunteer |
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REPORTS TO: |
Retail Officer |
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UNIT: BRANCH: DIVISION: |
Economic Development Yarra City Council City Strategy, Community Strengthening |
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POLICE CHECK REQUIRED: |
YES |
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED: |
YES |
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED: |
NO |
Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people, young people, older people, women, and people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer.
We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.
OVERVIEW
Yarra City Council supports volunteers and leaders of volunteers with skills development, awards and events, networking, grants, discounted venue hire and partnerships with other community organisations.
Volunteer involvement is a critical part of our society. It enhances civic life and helps build strong, inclusive, and resilient communities. Volunteer contributions are crucial to the success of many community projects, programs and events in the City of Yarra whilst providing benefits to the volunteers themselves.
In partnership with the Victorian Government, Yarra City Council operates the Learning Bank, located in the former Commonwealth Bank on Victoria Street. Learning Bank is a community space offering programs workshops and activities that support the North Richmond community and local economy.
Additionally, not-for-profit Thread Together Clothing Hub operates from within the Learning Bank.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Thread Together is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with fashion brands and retailers to redirect brand-new, end-of-line clothing and footwear that would otherwise go to landfill. Within the Thread Together Clothing Hub, these items are provided to people in need, with a strong focus on restoring dignity and offering genuine choice to our community’s most vulnerable, without judgement.
Thread Together Clothing Hubs are designed to recreate an authentic retail experience. Referred individuals can browse, try on and select clothing in a safe, welcoming and dignified environment.
ROLE OBJECTIVE
City of Yarra Volunteers will work alongside Learning Bank staff to add capacity to the delivery of our Thread Together store program.
KEY TASKS
- Welcome and assist clients in selecting clothing that meets their needs.
- Prepare and maintain stock, including merchandising, steaming, and restocking items.
- Unpack deliveries and organise clothing by hanging or folding as required.
- Ensure visual merchandising is appealing and aligned with store standards.
- Respond to public inquiries about Thread Together or direct them to the appropriate contact.
- Provide excellent customer service to create a positive experience for clients.
- Support administrative tasks as needed.
- Perform other duties as directed by the Venue and Operations Officer.
TIME COMMITMENT & LOCATION
You may choose to volunteer for one session a week, month or fortnight at a time that best suits you. The shift times will be:
Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs)
AND / OR
Tuesday 1:00pm – 4:00pm (3hrs)
AND / OR
Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs)
AND / OR
Wednesday 1:00pm – 3:00pm (2hrs)
AND / OR
Thursday 10:00am – 1:00pm (3hrs)
AND / OR
Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm (2hrs)
We are flexible and will do our best to accommodate alternative arrangements if these shifts don't suit you.
The location of this volunteer program is at the Learning Bank, 124 Victoria Street, North Richmond.
KEY REQUIREMENTS/ ATTRIBUTES
- Be compassionate, empathetic, culturally sensitive, with strong communication skills and an appreciation that everyone has a unique story to share;
- Have an understanding of the principles of dealing with Community members in a kind and respectful manner;
- Enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people with a diverse social and cultural backgrounds – this may include people with mobility and communication barriers;
- Able to work in a team or autonomously as required;
- Comfortable with the physical requirements of the role including potentially moving stock and hanging up clothing;
- Have, or willing to obtain, a current police check and Working with Children Check; and
- Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.
TRAINING & SUPPORT
All volunteers are required to attend a short induction session about the volunteer program and any training specific to your volunteering role to enable you to feel confident in undertaking the tasks.
Compulsory online training modules required for this role includes:
- Volunteer induction (including code of conduct and health and safety)
- Child safety
You will be provided with ongoing support from your Volunteer Supervisor with opportunities for feedback.
ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Thread Together Retail Officer
Internal Liaisons: All staff and volunteers
External Liaisons: Members of the public and partnering organisations
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We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.
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