JOB OVERVIEW

New Start Highland is a dynamic and leading social enterprise which creates opportunities for transformation in people’s lives. Over the past 25 years New Start Highland has delivered a wide range of social services to transform Highland lives. New Start Highland also operates several commercial services to generate income to finance its charitable activities, including a new Café at our Carsegate site. Our new community café aims to support young people aged 16–25 in developing key hospitality and life skills.
We are seeking a Café Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality customer service, barista skills, and front-of-house operations. You will also play a role in supporting young people, many of whom face barriers to employment, to gain confidence, accredited qualifications, and real-world experience, to help them build independent, sustainable futures, whilst also successfully running a community café that generates sustainable income and growth.
Purpose of Post - To deliver high-quality customer service, barista skills, and front-of-house operations in our community café.
Accountable to - Café Manager & Café Supervisor
Working Relationships -
The post-holder will be required to develop effective and positive working relationships with all New Start Highland departments, colleagues and customers.
Key result area -
- To deliver a high quality, professional cafe service to meet departmental KPI’s and New Start Highland quality standards.
- To deliver an excellent customer experience.
- To perform all duties of the post in a professional manner in line with New Start Highland culture and core values.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential - Knowledge of customer service standards and health & hygiene regulations
Desirable - Relevant qualifications in hospitality, customer service, or training

SKILLS

Essential - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and inspire young people.
Desirable - Passionate about youth development, inclusion, and social impact.

EXPERIENCE

Essential - Experience in a front-of-house or customer-facing hospitality role.
Desirable - Previous experience of maintaining accurate records / documentation.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist in ensuring that in all aspects of work, New Start Highland’s values, policies and procedures are adhered to in a consistent manner.
• To maintain confidentiality.
• To liaise with staff, volunteers, service users and the general public in a courteous manner that promotes a positive image and upholds the company reputation.
• To always maintain safe systems of work ensuring quality of service and all relevant Health and Safety and hygiene regulations are consistently delivered.
• To communicate clearly and effectively with other members of the team and the general public.

KEY TASKS

· Deliver front-of-house duties including customer service, till operation, order taking, barista skills, table service, and hygiene protocols.
· Work alongside young trainees during café shifts, providing daily support and encouragement.
· Ensure a warm, inclusive, and welcoming café environment for customers and trainees.
· Maintain daily front-of-house operations including cleanliness, customer flow, and service quality.
· Work collaboratively with kitchen and support staff to create a seamless training and customer experience.
· Any other duties appropriate to post