Job Description

Job title: Skills Coach (Catering Team)

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions) Order 1975 applies to this post. Disclosure and Barring Clearance is required prior to employment to this post.

We are looking for a passionate and proactive individual to lead our catering team. Each morning, you will support 3-4 trainees to prepare a simple meal for the wider team, using this activity to embed practical, transferable skills and work towards individual SMART goals.

You will play a key role in shaping and adapting the programme to meet the diverse learning needs of trainees. In the afternoons, activities may include running practice cafes to develop hospitality and customer service skills, focused skills sessions, food hygiene education, or housekeeping--each designed to support trainees on their journey towards employment.

Main tasks of job:

1. Support trainees to progress towards employment

Work with learning disabled and autistic trainees to build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for paid work.

Identify each trainee's strengths, aspirations, and support needs to guide individual employment pathways.

Use SMART goals and the Skills Builder framework to ensure learning is focused, meaningful, and employment-driven.

Maintain a strong focus on safeguarding, trainee wellbeing, and the creation of a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

2. Deliver practical training through catering and hospitality

Lead the daily preparation of a simple and nutritious lunch for the wider team (approx. 15 people), embedding key skills such as food hygiene, portion control, and safe preparation.

Promote healthy eating habits and support trainees to develop independent cooking skills aligned with catering and hospitality roles.

Ensure all activities reflect real-world expectations in the workplace.

3. Create engaging, skills-based learning opportunities

Use catering, housekeeping, and hospitality tasks to teach essential and transferable employment skills.

Design and lead role-play and simulated work experiences--including cafe service and customer interaction--using the farm setting to create realistic, supportive learning environments.

Continuously adapt the programme to meet the diverse learning needs of trainees.

Additional Duties

Maintain high standards in catering activities, continuously improving quality and aligning with professional practices.

Manage stock rotation, assist with food ordering, and ensure proper storage of all catering supplies.

Follow food hygiene and health & safety procedures, including adherence to risk assessments and emergency protocols.

Accurately administer and document medication in line with Little Gate Farm policies.

Ensure catering equipment is stored, cleaned, and maintained correctly.

Take part in training and professional development.

Contribute to long-term planning and the strategic development of the catering programme.

Respond to emergencies appropriately and ensure all staff and volunteers are familiar with emergency procedures.

Administer medication (where necessary) in line with Little Gate Farm policies, ensuring accurate documentation and safe storage.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and different tasks may be required as necessitated by the changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Position reports to:

Head of Little Gate Farm

Staff who will report to this job title:

N/A

Location:

Little Gate Farm, Horseshoe Lane, Beckley TN31 6RZ

Salary:

12.50 an hour

Probationary period:

6 months

Holiday Entitlement:

5.6 weeks pro rata

Contract type:

Permanent contract :

Full time (job share considered). Monday to Friday working 8 hours per day between 8.30am and 5.30pm

Interview dates:

31st July 2025

Start date:

18th August 2025 subject to DBS, references and other checks being agreed

Safeguarding requirements:

All employees and volunteers, regardless of their posts, share in the responsibility for protecting our work trainees, young rangers and students, keeping them safe from harm whilst they are attending Little Gate and for reporting concerns about any person's welfare and safety.

The post holder will be engaging in regulated activity with vulnerable adults at risk.

Initial and ongoing safeguarding training will be provided as part of the role.

DBS requirements;

Enhanced with Barred list check

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Passionate about enabling adults with learning disabilities and autism to fulfil their potential.

Demonstrates a positive, proactive, and solution-focused attitude.

Experience working in a catering setting, including cooking for larger groups.

Knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and kitchen management.

Compassionate, patient, and empathetic in nature.

Organised and able to manage a dynamic environment, often thinking on your feet and adapting quickly.

Able to remain calm, focused, and professional under pressure.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Creative and adaptable, with the ability to design engaging and meaningful training opportunities.

Commitment to continuous improvement, reflective practice, and delivering high-quality training.

Ability to travel to the farm independently.

Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable Criteria

Experience supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Experience delivering training, coaching, or employment support.

Familiarity with the Skills Builder framework or SMART goal-setting.

Experience in supported employment or vocational learning environments.

Food hygiene qualification (Level 2 or higher).

Understanding of inclusive practice and person-centred planning.

Application deadline: 23rd July 2025

Interview date: Usually within 10 days of application deadline

To register your interest in the role and request an application form please email julieryder@littlegate.org.uk prior to 12noon on 23rdJuly 2025.

Our Commitment

Little Gate is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Please see our application form for more information regarding guaranteed interviews for candidates choosing to share that they have a disability.

Our application and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Little Gate implements safeguarding protocols in all aspects of their working practices and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced and barred DBS check, and this may include social media checks. For further details please contact Sally Moseley via email at hrsally@littlegate.org.uk.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions) Order 1975 applies to this post. Disclosure and Barring Clearance is required prior to employment to this post.

Please note, due to a high volume of applications, we are not always able to feedback if you have been deemed unsuccessful upon review. We apologise in advance should you not be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/07/2025
Reference ID: SkillsCTJul25
Expected start date: 18/08/2025