Cafe Coordinator

Company	Inspiration CorporationSee more
Address	Chicago, IL
Form of work	Part-time
Salary	$16.80 an hour
Category	Information Technology

Job description

Job Title:Cafe Coordinator
Department: Meals and Supportive Services
Reports to: Homeless Engagement Services Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/ Part-time
Hourly Rate: $16.80/hour
Schedule: Breakfast Shift: Monday-Friday from 5:30am- 9:00am
Dinner Shift: Thursday from 4:00pm -8:00pm, or a combination of both shifts as needed.

Overview

In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.

In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals.

Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant-driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.

At Inspiration Corporation, employees embody our mission by demonstrating the following Core Values:

Integrity – We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability.
Growth – We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities.
Equity – We recognize each person’s inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities.
Resilience – We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care.
Hospitality – We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors.

Inspiration Corporation believes that these values are central to our work with participants and one another, and they create a culture we all have a stake in.

Position Summary

The Cafe Coordinator is part of the Meals and Supportive Services team and supports meals served to program participants at Inspiration Café. The Cafe Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the successful operations of dining room, training and supervision of volunteer servers, setting up and cleaning the café before and after service, and maintaining a positive and respectful environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

GENERAL

Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values.
Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
Communicate with Manager on Duty and Homeless Engagement Program Manager about attendance/scheduling changes in a timely manner
Ensure the efficient and effective provision of meals with dignity and respect in accordance with the agency’s mission.
Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency’s participants are addressed.
Attend department and agency meetings.

CAFE COORDINATION

Ensure timely services of meals in an atmosphere of dignity and respect
Ensure the proper set up and clean-up of the café space
Maintain a positive, organized, and safe milieu during scheduled meals at the cafe
Ensure Code of Conduct and agency policies are upheld during meals with fairness and consistency
Greet, serve, and communicate with all participants professionally including; serving of beverages and snacks, collecting meal orders and properly collecting used silverware and dishes for dishwashing
Assist back-of-house staff when needed including; garbage disposal, dishwashing, meal preparation and cooking and plating
Assist Manager-on-Duty and other staff with janitorial responsibilities in a timely manner; cleaning restrooms, dining space, sweeping and mopping, sanitizing chairs and tables
Complete meal applications for recertifying and new applicants and submit to Homeless

Engagement Program Manager

Work alongside Manager on Duty to oversee supplies and pantry
Supervise, assist, and train volunteer servers while upholding agency values
Ensure accurate and consistent data collection and reporting for meals service, including names, services or supplies provided and other info
Communicate all incidents to the Homeless Engagement Program Manager in a timely manner
Effectively address and resolve conflict between participants using de-escalation techniques
Act in a professional manner at all times and maintain appropriate boundaries with participants, volunteers and staff
Maintain alert to potentially unsafe situations and respond to maintain a safe environment for all
Demonstrate openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and co-workers.
Report building maintenance issues to Cafe Kitchen Manager and Homeless Engagement Program Manager or, in their absence, the Manager on Duty.
Contact emergency personnel for situations that require the assistance of fire, ambulance, police, or mental health emergency professionals.
Attend and participate in cafe staff meetings and supervision with the Homeless Engagement Program Manager or, in that person’s absence, the Manager on Duty.
Attend and participate in mandatory trainings and other agency meetings as scheduling permits.
Participate in professional development opportunities and staff meetings as appropriate.
Report to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.

INDIRECT SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Utilizes staff/volunteers to ensure satisfactory completion of all goals and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to accept, understand and relate sensitively to people of varied social, economic, racial, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.
Previous knowledge of harm reduction and trauma-informed care, or ability to learn best practices.
Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness a plus, or interest in working with underserved populations.
Willingness and ability to work some holidays (with appropriate additional pay) to ensure the complete staffing of our meals service schedule.

EXPERIENCE and SKILLS: Previous experience working in the food service industry and/or working with homeless populations. Chicago Food & Sanitation License preferred (IC can provide training)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is regularly required to stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and be able to mop, dispose of trash, perform other cleaning tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required.

Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits: