The Front of House Café Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the Recovery Café, ensuring a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all attendees.

The role will oversee all front of house operations, including coordinating volunteers, supporting community members, liaising with partner organisations, and ensuring the smooth delivery of café sessions. The postholder will play an important role in creating a positive recovery-focused environment where individuals feel welcomed, supported and connected to local services.

The successful candidate will be organised, approachable and passionate about building relationships, supporting volunteers and promoting community wellbeing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Café Operations

• Coordinate the day-to-day running of the Recovery Café during opening hours.
• Ensure the café environment is prepared, welcoming, safe and accessible prior to each session.
• Oversee the smooth operation of front of house activities throughout the day.
• Support the opening and closing of the café and ensure the premises are maintained to a high standard.

Volunteer Support and Development

• Supervise and support volunteers working within the café.
• Lead daily team huddles and allocate volunteer responsibilities.
• Provide guidance, encouragement and practical support throughout each session.
• Assist with volunteer induction and ongoing development.
• Promote a positive, recovery-focused and inclusive atmosphere.

Community Engagement

• Welcome and engage positively with individuals attending the café.
• Build positive relationships with community members and visitors.
• Promote an environment that is respectful, inclusive and supportive of recovery.
• Encourage participation and help individuals access available support where appropriate.

Partnership and Team Working

• Act as the main point of contact for partner organisations delivering services within the café.
• Work collaboratively with the Chef/Kitchen Lead and wider café team.
• Attend daily team huddles and contribute to service planning.
• Support the overall aims and objectives of the Recovery Café.

Administration and Monitoring

• Complete daily cash handling procedures, including till reconciliation and receipt management.
• Record café attendance and monitoring information accurately.
• Complete monitoring returns required by funders.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with organisational procedures.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
• Promote safeguarding, health and safety, equality and confidentiality.
• Report accidents, incidents and concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision and training opportunities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• SVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care, Community Development, Hospitality, Customer Service or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Full UK Driving Licence (desirable).

Experience

• Experience working in a community, hospitality or third sector environment.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or supporting teams.
• Experience delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience of cash handling and basic financial administration.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and monitoring information.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing multiple or complex needs.

Knowledge

• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements within a public-facing environment.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, person-centred and recovery-focused approaches.
• Awareness of the challenges experienced by individuals affected by substance use, mental health difficulties or social isolation.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to coordinate day-to-day operations effectively.
• Ability to supervise, motivate and support volunteers.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and respond appropriately to changing priorities.
• Competent IT, record-keeping and administrative skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with community members and partner organisations.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working within a recovery, wellbeing or community café environment.
• Experience working alongside statutory and third sector partners.
• Knowledge of community engagement and social inclusion approaches.
• First Aid qualification.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience contributing to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Compassionate and approachable.
• Organised and reliable.
• Confident leading and supporting volunteers.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Calm, resilient and solution focused.
• Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the service.
• Committed to promoting dignity, respect and inclusion.
• Passionate about supporting recovery, wellbeing and community engagement.