The Artizan Café is looking for someone with a passion for good food and changing the world! Would you like to join our amazing team. We are looking for someone pretty special could it be you?
Role Title: Café & Inclusion AssistantThe Artizan Cafe is a social enterprise looking for someone with a passion for good food and changing the world! Would you like to join our amazing team?
We are looking for someone pretty special… Could it be you?
Join us at the Artizan Cafe and creative space in Harrogate, a social enterprise for people with learning disabilities.
Approx 20 hrs a week
DBS required
This is a long term role to be part of a team, not a summer job - applicants without the outlined expected experience will not be selected for interview
Role Purpose
The Café & Inclusion Assistant supports the Café, Training & Inclusion
Manager in delivering high-quality café operations alongside inclusive
training and member engagement.
This role combines hands-on café duties with direct support for
members (including people with learning disabilities), helping create
a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment. The Assistant plays a
key part in enabling members to build skills, confidence, and
independence through meaningful participation in café and training
activities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Café Operations Support
- Lead the team on the daily running of the café, maintaining high standards of food preparation, hygiene, and customer service.
- Prepare and serve food and drinks, including sandwiches, light meals, cakes, and barista beverages.
- Support opening and closing procedures, including cleaning, setup, and basic safety checks.
- Help monitor stock levels, rotate ingredients, and flag shortages or waste issues to the Manager.
- Ensure the café environment remains clean, safe, and welcoming at all times.
2. Supporting Training & Skill Development
- Work alongside members during café tasks, providing guidance in:
Food preparation
Barista skills
Customer service
- Adapt instructions and tasks to suit individual abilities and learning styles.
- Encourage independence while offering appropriate levels of support.
- Reinforce training plans set by the Manager and wider training team.
- Provide informal feedback on member progress, achievements, and challenges.
3. Inclusive Member Support
- Build positive, respectful relationships with members.
- Promote confidence, dignity, and active participation in all activities.
- Support members to understand routines, tasks, and expectations.
- Help identify when a member may need additional support and escalate appropriately.
- Work closely with the manager to create an inclusive and supportive team culture.
4. Customer Experience & Front-of-House
- Deliver friendly, patient, and inclusive customer service.
- Support members to interact with customers where appropriate.
- Handle basic transactions (cash/card) where required.
- Represent the organisation’s values in all interactions.
5. Communication & Teamwork
- Work closely with the Manager and wider team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Share relevant observations about members’ engagement and wellbeing.
- Follow guidance from training/support staff regarding individual needs.
- Participate in team meetings, briefings, and training sessions.
6. Administration & Compliance Support
- Assist with basic record-keeping (e.g., attendance, task participation) as required.
- Follow all policies relating to:
Safeguarding
Health & safety
Food hygiene
Data protection
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Person Specification
- Essential Skills & Experience
Experience in a café, hospitality, or customer-facing role.
Experience working with people with learning disabilities or additional needs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
A patient, empathetic, and inclusive approach to working with people.
Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.Knowledge of inclusive training or support practices.
Basic understanding of food hygiene and safety (or willingness to train).
Desirable
- Experience in a café, hospitality, or customer-facing role.
- Barista or food preparation experience.
Reporting Line
- Reports to: Café, Training & Inclusion Manager
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: From £13.02 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Application question(s):
- I am looking for 20 hours a week on a perminent basis, NOT A STOP GAP
- You must have 2 years experience of support people with disabilities
- You must have at least 1 years experience of working in a café
Location:
- Harrogate HG1 1NS (required)
Work Location: In person
