Job Purpose
We are looking for a dedicated, empathetic, and enthusiastic Catering & Coffee Shop Assistant to join our unique team. In this role, you won’t just be serving great coffee and food; you will be working alongside and supporting adults with additional needs (including learning disabilities, autism, and neurodivergence) within our vibrant catering school and public-facing coffee shop.
Your primary focus will be to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where our trainees can develop practical catering skills, build confidence, and gain independence, while ensuring our customers receive excellent service.
Key Responsibilities1. Trainee Support & Mentorship
- Support adults with additional needs as they learn front-of-house and back-of-house catering skills.
- Foster a supportive, patient, and positive environment that builds trainees' self-esteem and independence.
2. Coffee Shop & Catering Operations
- Work alongside trainees to prepare and serve a range of hot and cold beverages, light meals, and baked goods to a high standard.
- Assist with front-of-house duties, including taking orders, operating the electronic point of sale (EPOS) till system, and managing cash/card transactions.
- Ensure the coffee shop, kitchen, and seating areas are kept clean, tidy, and welcoming at all times.
- Help maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety, ensuring compliance with The Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) and our HACCP-based food safety management systems.
3. Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate closely with the Catering Manager and support staff to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of both the school and the shop.
- Communicate warmly and professionally with customers, families, and external stakeholders, championing the mission of our organisation.
Person SpecificationCriteriaEssentialDesirableExperience
* Experience working in a customer-facing catering or coffee shop environment.
* Experience interacting with or supporting individuals with additional needs (personal, voluntary, or professional).
* Experience in a coaching, teaching, or support worker role.
* Barista training/experience.
Skills & Knowledge
* Excellent communication and listening skills.
* Ability to remain calm, patient, and resilient under pressure.
* Understanding of basic food hygiene and kitchen safety.
* Knowledge of adult safeguarding practices in Northern Ireland.
* Understanding of task-analysis (breaking down tasks for learners).
Qualifications* Good standard of general education.
* Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2).
* First Aid qualification.
Personal Attributes
* Empathetic, warm, and inclusive nature.
* A genuine passion for helping others achieve their potential.
* Proactive "can-do" attitude and a sense of humour.
Please Note: Due to the nature of this role working with vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced AccessNI criminal record check.
Pay: £12.72 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
