The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates seven thrift stores and one outlet store in the Cincinnati area, providing a source of hope for those who cannot purchase basic necessities or need to shop on a budget. Thrift Store and Donation Center proceeds support the Society’s direct service programs like our Choice Food Pantry, Charitable Pharmacy and homelessness prevention program. In this position, you will learn about the different facets of store operations, providing support to our stores’ retail managers during routine store visits, learning about what it takes to provide each store with the tools and processes they need to run efficiently; gain skills around navigating interpersonal dynamics and learn different management styles; provide support to store employees as needed, including having direct interactions with customers and neighbors in need in the store voucher redemption process. This position will also include hands-on work assisting with facilities management of our 12 building facilities, responding to various needs from small projects like correcting a toilet leak and completing oil change to big projects like repairing an industrial compacter. A basic knowledge of tools, a desire and confidence to learn more skills, and the comfort level and ability to lift heavy items would be essential.
VVC members serve full-time in a unique work placement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. They live together in a house provided by the program, in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, blocks from SVDP’s Outreach Center. One hundred percent of VVC members finish the program reporting personal, professional and spiritual growth.
Service Activities
Position Responsibilities: hands-on work assisting with facilities management of our 12 building facilities, responding to various needs from small projects like correcting a toilet leak and completing oil change to big projects like repairing an industrial compacter.
Community Need Addressed
Quality analytics of social services provided to individuals in need of basic necessities, as well providing a linkage between all chapters of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul within the Greater Cincinnati area.
Position Outcomes
Heightened communication between all chapters of organization in providing quality social services to individuals in need of basic necessities within the Greater Cincinnati area through providing systems support for chapter groups, as well as engaging in data analysis of services provided.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
This program also covers:
- three retreats during the program year
- weekly formation
- monthly leadership development program, including personal mentor
- all living expenses (room, utilities, board, internet)
- health insurance
- renter's insurance
- monthly personal stipend ($145)
- monthly phone stipend ($50)
- monthly transportation stipend ($30 - local bus tickets)
- plus an Education Award (~$6,000) upon completion of service
Skills you will gain
community-building, teamwork, professional skills/norms, professional communication, one-on-one interaction, project prioritization, collaboration, public speaking, time management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment