Trainer at The Autism Program of Virginia – Richmond, Virginia

Job Title: Trainer

Department: Grocery

Reports To: Co-Manager, Store Operations

Status: Full Time Hourly position

Position Summary

The Trainer supports the success and sustainability of the Grocery Department by developing staff knowledge, consistency, and confidence. This position divides time between leadership on the sales floor and coordination of training activities. The Trainer ensures that new employees are effectively onboarded, existing staff continue to grow their skills, and interns from the Career Readiness & Employment (CRE) program receive meaningful, hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Leadership and MOD Duties (50%)

· Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) for assigned shifts, ensuring smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

· Support staff during shifts through coaching, delegation, and real-time problem solving.

· Maintain awareness of department priorities and uphold operational and merchandising standards.

2. New Employee Training

· Act as primary trainer for all new grocery employees.

· Facilitate onboarding in alignment with store values, policies, and procedures.

· Track progress and provide feedback to both the employee and their supervisor throughout the training period.

3. Training Development & Tools

· Collaborate with department leadership to create, update, and maintain training plans, manuals, checklists, and visual tools.

· Recommend improvements to enhance clarity, accessibility, and consistency of training materials.

· Track completion of required training modules and certifications.

4. Ongoing Staff Development

· Provide ongoing training and skill building for current employees, including refreshers, cross-training, and process updates.

· Identify training needs through observation, staff feedback, and operational outcomes.

· Support a positive learning culture that encourages teamwork, initiative, and accountability.

5. Career Readiness & Employment (CRE) Program Support

· Partner with the CRE program to provide both classroom and in-store training for interns transitioning into hands-on work experience.

· Adapt training to meet diverse learning needs and experience levels.

· Coordinate with CRE staff to ensure clear communication, structured learning plans, and timely feedback on intern progress.

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Qualifications

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

· Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or training experience in a retail or cooperative environment preferred.

· Ability to plan, organize, and follow through on projects independently.

· Comfort providing constructive feedback and coaching to peers.

· Commitment to the store’s mission and values, including equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

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Physical & Work Requirements

· Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, and lift up to 25 lbs.

· Work performed in a retail environment with frequent customer and staff interaction.

· Weekend and evening availability required.