Cafe Support Worker

Café Support Worker – A Role with Purpose

Café Support WorkerJob details –

Job Title: Café Support Worker

Location: On-site at our beautiful rural location in Market Overton, Rutland.

Job Type: Part Time – 25 hours per week (five 5-hour shifts between 9:00am and 3:00pm).

Working Pattern: Autumn/Winter: Monday to Friday. Spring/Summer: Tuesday to Saturday. Flexibility is required to accommodate seasonal changes and support two organisational events on Saturdays each year.

Salary: £12.95 per hour (Pay Point 1).

About us –

The Lodge Trust CIO is a Christian charity based in Market Overton, Rutland, supporting adults with learning disabilities through residential care, supported living, day opportunities and work-based activities.

Our 20-acre rural site includes homes, workshops, gardens, woodland and our Country Park Café. Rooted in Christian values, we create a welcoming community where people are valued, encouraged and empowered to develop confidence, independence and personal fulfilment.

Role Purpose –

To support the day-to-day running of our Country Park Café, delivering high standards of food preparation, customer service, hygiene and hospitality. You will also support residents and service users with learning disabilities to participate in café activities, develop practical skills and build confidence and independence.

Working with the Café Co-ordinator and wider team, you will help create a friendly, inclusive environment for customers and service users alike.

Key Responsibilities –

• Prepare, cook, present and serve food, refreshments and café products to a high standard.
• Provide friendly customer service, operate the till and process payments as required.
• Replenish service areas, rotate stock and help minimise waste.
• Maintain clean, tidy and safe café, kitchen and storage areas.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen, food safety and health and safety procedures.
• Support service users to develop catering, hospitality and customer service skills at a pace suited to their abilities and interests.
• Promote choice, dignity, inclusion and independence through patient, respectful communication.
• Follow individual support arrangements and risk assessments, reporting safeguarding concerns or changes in wellbeing promptly.
• Complete cleaning schedules, food safety checks and relevant records accurately.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, attend relevant training and uphold the Lodge's values of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Excellence, Creativity and Collaboration.

What We're Looking For –

• A friendly, reliable and compassionate individual with an interest in café work and supporting adults with learning disabilities.
• Practical food preparation and customer service skills.
• Good literacy, numeracy and attention to detail.
• An understanding of food hygiene, allergen awareness and health and safety, with a willingness to undertake required training.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to adapt to individual needs.
• A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, dignity and professional boundaries.
• The ability to work efficiently, use initiative and maintain accurate records.
• Flexibility to work the seasonal five-day pattern and attend two Saturday events each year.
• Reliable transport to our rural site, where no public transport is available. Free on-site parking is provided.
• Respect for the Christian ethos and values of The Lodge Trust.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications –

• Experience in a café, kitchen, catering or hospitality environment.
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene or a catering qualification.
• Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities or helping others develop practical skills.
• Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care or a First Aid qualification.
• Till, IT, Canva or social media experience.
• Experience in busy or high-volume catering.
• A full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us –

• Be part of a unique, faith-based community where people and purpose come together.
• Make a meaningful difference by helping adults with learning disabilities develop skills, confidence and independence.
• Combine your interest in food and hospitality with rewarding, person-centred support.
• Work in a welcoming Country Park Café serving residents, visitors and the wider community.
• Join a supportive team that values compassion, collaboration and development.
• Access training and opportunities to develop your catering and support skills.

Additional Benefits –

• Company Pension Scheme – through Standard Life.
• 28 Days Annual Leave – including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time hours.
• Up to 3 Extra Annual Leave Days – for each completed year of service.
• Benenden Health Scheme – affordable healthcare cover.
• Care Sector Discounts – through Blue Light Card, subject to eligibility.
• Ongoing Training & Development – including relevant food safety and safeguarding training.
• Career Progression Opportunities – opportunities to develop within the organisation.
• Free On-Site Parking – convenient parking at our rural location.
• Refer a Friend Bonus – earn £200, subject to scheme terms.

Safer Recruitment Statement –

The Lodge Trust CIO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk. All roles are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the Adults' Barred List where the post involves regulated activity.

Employment is subject to identity and right-to-work checks, satisfactory references and verification of relevant qualifications. Applicants registered with the DBS Update Service will be asked to provide their certificate number and consent to an online status check.

The Lodge Trust CIO follows CQC Regulation 19, Schedule 3 evidence requirements and Skills for Care safer recruitment guidance to ensure staff are suitable and safe to work in social care.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £12.95 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• This role does not offer sponsorship to work. Do you currently have the legal right to work in the UK without time restrictions (e.g., British or Irish citizenship, Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

• The Lodge Trust is a Christian organisation that promotes Christian values in its work. Are you willing to support and work within this ethos?

• In 150 words or fewer, tell us what makes you a good fit for this role?

Experience:

• café or catering : 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person