Barista Trainer

Life Unlimited, Inc; North Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Unlimited, Inc. is seeking a Barista Trainer to prepare and serve high-quality beverages while delivering on‑the‑job coaching for individuals with IDD in our café.

The role emphasizes patience, positive reinforcement, and modeling professional workplace behavior. Responsibilities include training staff on drink preparation, food handling, customer service, cleaning, inventory, and using the POS system.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from High School or GED.
• Flexible hours including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reliable vehicle; may travel up to 60 miles from café location.
• Strong communication, multitasking, and basic math skills.
• Barista or customer service experience preferred; training provided.
• Passion for coffee and willingness to learn latte art.
• Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain a Class E driver’s license during new hire orientation— must carry minimum coverage by law.
• Must Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination.

Responsibilities

• Break down job tasks into clear, manageable steps and adapt instruction methods to meet individual learning styles and abilities; use patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement to impart instructions.
• Model appropriate workplace behaviors, including punctuality, professionalism, teamwork, communication, and customer engagement.
• Serve as an on-the-job trainer and role model for individuals with IDD participating in supported employment and skills training within the coffee shop. Provide hands-on instruction in core barista and café tasks, including drink preparation, food handling, customer service, cleaning, restocking, and use of equipment.
• Collaborate with supervisors, job coaches, and/or program staff to reinforce training plans, accommodations, and individualized goals.
• Participate in community-based job coaching training with Employment Services periodically throughout employment, but especially in the first two weeks after hire
• Customer Service: Greet customers warmly, take orders accurately, and offer menu recommendations. Craft hot and cold beverages consistently, following recipes and quality standards.
• Operational Excellence: Operate espresso machines, grinders, and brewers, ensuring they are calibrated and function correctly.
• Cleanliness & Maintenance: Maintain a spotless, organized work area (behind the counter) and seating area, adhering to all health and sanitation regulations.
• POS Transactions: Accurately process cash and credit card transactions using the POS system.
• Stocking/Inventory: Restock supplies and assist with inventory management.
• Document coaching and skill development services for individuals participating in employment services in accordance with DVR and DMH standards.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes dignity, independence, and growth for all employees.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Basic math

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Career Opportunities with Life Unlimited, Inc

A great place to work.

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SUMMARY

The ideal candidate for this position can communicate patiently and effectively with others and can use positive reinforcement to support skill development and build confidence in individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).Previous experience working with espresso is appreciated but not required; patience and adaptability is a must.The Barista Trainer will be responsible not only for the standard barista priorities of creating a welcoming customer experience while preparing and serving high-quality beverages, taking orders, operating coffee equipment, and maintaining consistent standards; but also for serving as an on-the-job trainer and role model for individuals with IDD in our academy.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Break down job tasks into clear, manageable steps and adapt instruction methods to meet individual learning styles and abilities; use patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement to impart instructions.
• Model appropriate workplace behaviors, including punctuality, professionalism, teamwork, communication, and customer engagement.
• Serve as an on-the-job trainer and role model for individuals with IDD participating in supported employment and skills training within the coffee shop. Provide hands-on instruction in core barista and café tasks, including drink preparation, food handling, customer service, cleaning, restocking, and use of equipment.
• Collaborate with supervisors, job coaches, and/or program staff to reinforce training plans, accommodations, and individualized goals.
• Participate in community-based job coaching training with Employment Services periodically throughout employment, but especially in the first two weeks after hire
• Customer Service: Greet customers warmly, take orders accurately, and offer menu recommendations. Craft hot and cold beverages consistently, following recipes and quality standards.
• Operational Excellence: Operate espresso machines, grinders, and brewers, ensuring they are calibrated and function correctly.
• Cleanliness & Maintenance: Maintain a spotless, organized work area (behind the counter) and seating area, adhering to all health and sanitation regulations.
• POS Transactions: Accurately process cash and credit card transactions using the POS system.
• Stocking/Inventory: Restock supplies and assist with inventory management.
• Document coaching and skill development services for individuals participating in employment services in accordance with DVR and DMH standards.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes dignity, independence, and growth for all employees. This includes maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when working with individuals served by the organization.
• Completion of job coaching training through the Life Unlimited Employment Department. This training will occur through online modules and in-person employment settings throughout the metro area.

PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS

This position requires extended periods of walking and standing with some periods of sitting – depending on the needs and activities of the individuals supported. It may require light (5 lbs.) to heavy lifting (50 pounds of dead weight) and occasional stooping, kneeling, bending, and/or climbing stairs, again depending on the needs of the individual supported. The position will require occasional physical intervention if confronted by a person displaying combative or potentially dangerous behavior.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have graduated from High School or obtained a General Equivalency Diploma.
• Flexibility: Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reliable vehicle: Candidate will be shadowing Employment Services department job coaching periodically throughout employment, which can be located up to 60 miles from café location.
• Skills: Strong communication skills, multitasking abilities, and basic math skills.
• Experience: Previous barista or customer service experience preferred, but not required—we will provide training for the right candidate.
• Passion for Coffee: A genuine interest in learning about coffee, brewing techniques, and latte art.
• Food Handler’s Card through the Clay County Department of Public Health will be needed within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain a Class E driver’s license during new hire orientation– must carry minimum coverage applicable by law for auto insurance
• Must Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Equal Opportunity Employer