Job Description

Job Summary

We are looking for a passionate and motivated

Community Cafe Tutor/Co-ordinator

to lead a unique new project at Hastings and Bexhill Mencap. This exciting role combines tutoring and cafe management and is ideal for someone who believes in people, in inclusion, and in the power of good food to bring communities together.

You'll work with adults with learning disabilities during the week to teach and support the development of real-world catering and life skills. On Saturdays, you'll manage our community cafe, running a small team of support staff and volunteers (including our learners) to deliver fresh, affordable food in a welcoming, accessible space. The cafe will serve as a weekend social hub for our service users, their families, and the wider community.

This role is about empowerment. You'll have high expectations of our learners and support them to present themselves confidently and professionally in public, helping challenge perceptions of learning disability and promote inclusion in the heart of the community.

Key Responsibilities

Tutoring and Preparation (Weekdays -9 hours over 2 days - Thursday, Friday)

Lead informal, practical catering and life-skills sessions for small groups of adults with learning disabilities. Work with support staff to plan and prepare food for Saturday cafe service. Identify and develop menu items that are both affordable and popular. Support learners to develop confidence, teamwork, independence, and pride in their work. Foster a respectful, safe, and motivating learning environment.

Saturday Cafe Management (6.5 hours weekly)

Unlocking and Locking the building. Manage the community cafe with the support of two staff members. Supervise and support our learners volunteering in the cafe. Deliver excellent customer service and uphold the values of the charity in a public-facing environment. Ensure kitchen hygiene and food safety standards are met at all times. Represent the charity with professionalism and positivity to customers, families, and community groups.

Operations and Oversight

Oversee stock levels, with support from staff and management. Assist with basic budgeting, menu planning, and cost-effective purchasing. Support learners and staff to complete Food Hygiene certification and follow good food safety practices. Identify training needs and either deliver or signpost appropriate learning opportunities. Liaise with senior staff to evaluate the project's impact and identify opportunities for growth or improvement.

Experience

Essential:

Experience working in a cafe, restaurant, catering, or hospitality setting. Excellent organisational and time-management skills. A positive, flexible, and proactive attitude. Ability to lead and work as part of a team. Commitment to equality, inclusion, and the rights of people with learning disabilities. Confidence to supervise others and give clear direction in a busy environment.

Desirable:

Experience working with people with learning disabilities (either professional or personal). Experience teaching or training in a practical skills setting. Knowledge of basic food hygiene regulations (training can be provided).

Additional Information

The cafe is based in a building used by various community groups. While open to the public, it will primarily serve our day service users and their families. You will be supported by our day service team, including experienced support staff and senior management. This is a one-year funded role, with the hope of becoming a sustainable social enterprise in the future.
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 15.31 per hour

Expected hours: 15.5 per week

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025