Community Café Volunteer (Barista) Opportunity

WHALE Arts; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WHALE Arts is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for its vibrant café in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. The role includes preparing food and drinks, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining a clean environment. Volunteers will receive full training, including barista skills and food hygiene certification, while gaining valuable experience in a supportive community setting.

Benefits

Training provided

Lunch provided

Reimbursed travel expenses

Qualifications

• A friendly and engaging personality.
• Comfortable working with the public.
• Commitment to maintaining hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Providing friendly and efficient service.
• Assisting with food and drink preparation.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the café.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Customer service

Interest in food and communities

Job description

Location: WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA

Hours of Volunteering (6h): Tuesdays, 9am-3pm, (January 2025)

The Pod Café is a vibrant community café located within WHALE Arts, a community arts centre in the heart of Wester Hailes. After re-opening in August, we are now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us make the café a warm, welcoming space for everyone in the local area. As a café volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our community space, helping to prepare food and hot drinks, and providing a welcoming experience for our customers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and barista skills, all while being part of a friendly and dedicated team.

The café is currently open every Tuesday from 10.30am to 2pm, with the shift giving time either side for set up and clear up. We are open and flexible for the role to be shared between different people who may want to split the shift or work alternative weeks.

Requirements:

• A friendly and engaging personality with good communication skills.
• Good time management and commitment to the role.
• Being comfortable working with members of the public and being able to provide good customer service.
• Interest in food and communities.
• Complying with Health & Safety standards, strict hygiene procedures, and food safety laws (training will be provided).

Duties

• Providing friendly and efficient service, including taking orders, processing payments, and serving food and drinks.
• Assisting with food and drink preparation, including making coffees and other beverages.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the café, including washing up, clearing tables, and general cleaning tasks.
• Supporting with stock rotation and other kitchen-related tasks.

Training

• Full training for this role and an induction into the organisation will be given.
• Barista training.
• Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate training will be paid for by the organisation to fulfil the role.
• This is a good opportunity to gain experience in the catering industry within a supportive environment.

Expenses

All volunteers are entitled to claim reasonably incurred travel expenses, whilst carrying out their role. Lunch is provided from the café.

Boundaries of Role: To work within WHALE Arts policies and procedure for GDPR and confidentiality.

To apply for the role or for further information please contact WHALE Arts: