Cafe jobs in Carlisle

Hospitality Job Coach

Hours: Sessional.

Salary: £14.24 per hour.

Location: The People First Conference Centre/ The People First Café.

Carlisle, Cumbria.

Who we are

People First Independent Advocacy is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, providing a wide range of support and information services across the North of England, aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy and fulfilled lives. We have been delivering services for 30 years and have a deep understanding of our communities and the unique challenges they bring. We also deliver People First Services, a registered charity, the object of which is the relief of people with a learning difficulty primarily through the running of the People First Conference Centre. Our Head office is based in Carlisle, supported by offices in Barrow and Leyland.

The Department

In this role, you will be part of our customer-facing team, ensuring excellent customer service is always delivered while supporting and mentoring learners with learning disabilities and/or autistic people. Working in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, you will lead by example — maintaining high standards, encouraging best practice, and helping others to develop their skills and confidence in the workplace.

Person Specification

We are seeking someone who is not only passionate about hospitality and customer service, but also about supporting others to achieve their potential. You will be a friendly, patient, and motivating presence within the team — someone who can inspire confidence, provide constructive feedback, and help others learn through doing.

You may have previous experience in hospitality, catering, or customer service, alongside experience (or a strong interest) in training, mentoring, or supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autistic people.

Qualifications

To be discussed with each applicant. Relevant qualifications or experience in hospitality, mentoring, coaching, or support work are advantageous but not essential.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

- Experience in hospitality, catering, or customer service.

- Ability to coach, mentor, and support others to learn practical skills in hospitality.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Understanding of inclusive practice and how to adapt support for different learning styles.

- Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills.

- Positive attitude and approachable manner.

- Ability to balance operational duties with coaching responsibilities.

- Commitment to health and safety and high hygiene standards.

Personal Qualities

- Patient, supportive, and encouraging attitude.

- Professional, reliable, and proactive approach.

- Strong sense of teamwork and collaboration.

- Flexibility to adapt to individual needs and situations.

- Enthusiastic and motivated by seeing others succeed.

- Genuine interest in mentoring and creating inclusive workplaces.

Responsibilities

As a Mentor / Job Coach, you will both contribute to the day-to-day running of the Café/ Conference Centre and play a key role in supporting learners to build confidence, skills, and independence at work.

Your duties will include:

• Providing hands-on coaching to learners and team members, demonstrating tasks and supporting them to achieve competence in hospitality and customer service roles.
• Serving food, making drinks, handling cash and card transactions, and ensuring all customers receive friendly, professional service.
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across Café and Conference Centre areas, inside and outside, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
• Monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages or issues to the Team Leader.
• Checking that facilities, equipment, and furnishings are in good order and reporting any maintenance needs.
• Supporting individuals to understand and follow health and safety procedures, including food hygiene standards.
• Assisting with problem-solving and adapting tasks to meet different learning needs.
• Responding promptly and professionally to customer feedback, comments, or complaints.
• Promoting our products and services (including add-ons at the till) and supporting learners to do the same confidently.
• Leading by example — being approachable, positive, and professional at all times.

For more information

If you’d like any further information about the role or if you have any questions, please contact our Assistant Director of Development and Innovation: victoria@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

To apply

If you’re interested in the role and think you’d be a good fit, we’d like to hear from you.

To apply for this position, please email a copy of your CV (including two references) and a one-page description of why you’d be a good fit for the role to recruitment@wearepeoplefirst.co.ukor alternatively, you can post for the attention of Barry to People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB

All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential - Cook – Job Coach

Pay: £14.24 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carlisle CA2 5XB