Coffee Shop Assistant

About the position

Our client is a leading provider of support services for individuals with learning disabilities, committed to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. They are seeking a proactive and creative Coffee Shop Assistant to lead the day-to-day operations of their on-site coffee shop in Warrington. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine hospitality skills with meaningful person-centred support.

About the Role:

As a Coffee Shop Assistant, you will be responsible for supporting learners with learning disabilities and complex needs to engage in running a vibrant on-site coffee shop. This role blends hospitality, coaching, and care helping individuals develop independence, life skills, and confidence through real-world enterprise experience.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you'll also manage stock, finances, and promotions for the coffee shop, while ensuring all learners are included, supported, and working towards their personal development goals. You will lead by example and support a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring every day in the café is a safe, empowering, and enjoyable experience.

As the Coffee Shop Assistant, your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the delivery of day-to-day coffee shop operations in line with learner development plans, including food prep, customer service, and stock management.
• Support learners to gain practical skills in hospitality, communication, teamwork, and customer service.
• Promote independence and confidence through structured, supportive engagement in all café tasks.
• Manage budgeting, purchasing, and inventory to ensure profitability and value for money.
• Plan and run seasonal promotions or campaigns to increase visibility and learner involvement.
• Capture and share engaging content for social media, highlighting learner achievements and events.
• Conduct regular learner and volunteer progress reviews and maintain accurate written and digital records.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and person-centred learning environment, embedding safeguarding throughout.
• Respond professionally to behavioural challenges and support learner self-regulation.
• Work closely with colleagues and volunteers to ensure a respectful, coordinated approach to support.
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments and adhere to all health and safety procedures.
• Encourage learners to explore goals such as volunteering, training, or employment.
• Mentor and manage volunteers to ensure they contribute positively to the learner experience.
• Promote the coffee shops enterprise values and community impact through innovation and service quality.

The Coffee Shop Assistant will have the following skills and attributes:

• Proven experience running or managing a café, coffee shop, or similar customer-facing environment.
• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities or complex care needs.
• Previous experience leading teams or volunteers in a support, retail, or hospitality context.
• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or working towards).
• Demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, and inclusive support principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a calm, empathetic approach to behaviour support.
• Good organisational and IT skills, with the ability to multitask in a dynamic café environment.
• Comfortable and respectful in delivering personal care when required.
• Passion for people development, food service, and community enterprise.

You will be working 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Appointment will be subject to DBS clearance, right to work checks and satisfactory references.

Benefits of Joining:

This is a unique opportunity to lead a lively community hub that not only serves great coffee but also transforms lives. You'll be part of a supportive, passionate team that empowers individuals to grow in confidence, independence, and skills through meaningful real-world experiences.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you're the right fit for this dynamic, rewarding role.

If you have a passion for hospitality, inclusion, and learner development wed love to hear from you!

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. All applications are considered on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

£21,000 - £23,000 per year

Place of work