Barista Trainer

Life Unlimited, Inc; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Unlimited, Inc. seeks a Barista Trainer to deliver top‑notch customer experiences while training and mentoring individuals with IDD in our academy. You will handle drink preparation, food handling, and equipment operation in a coffee shop setting.

You will also model professional behaviors, assist with coaching plans, and collaborate with staff in delivering individualized goals. A passion for coffee and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from High School or obtained a General Equivalency Diploma.
• Flexible hours including early mornings weekends and holidays.
• Reliable vehicle.
• Shadowing Employment Services department job coaching periodically up to 60 miles from caf location.
• Passion for Coffee and latte art; interest in coffee brewing techniques.
• Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain a Class E driver's license and maintain required auto insurance.
• Must receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination.

Responsibilities

• Break down tasks into clear steps and adapt instruction to learning styles.
• Model professional workplace behaviors: punctuality, teamwork, communication, customer engagement.
• Serve as on the job trainer and role model for individuals with IDD in supported employment and skills training.
• Provide hands-on instruction in barista tasks: drink prep, food handling, service, cleaning, restocking, equipment use.
• Collaborate with supervisors, job coaches, and program staff to reinforce training plans.
• Participate in community-based job coaching and training, especially in first weeks.
• Greet customers warmly, take orders, and offer menu recommendations.
• Craft hot and cold beverages following recipes and quality standards.
• Operate espresso machines, grinders, and brewers; ensure calibration and function.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area behind the counter and in seating areas.
• Process cash and credit transactions accurately using POS systems.
• Restock supplies and assist with inventory management.
• Document coaching and skill development for individuals in Employment Services.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive work environment and uphold confidentiality.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Basic math

Coffee passion

Latte art

Customer service

Driver's license

Reliable vehicle

Flexible hours

Flu vaccination

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

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

Responsibility

• 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 caf tasks including drink preparation food handling customer service cleaning restocking and use of equipment
• Collaborate with supervisors job coaches andor 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
• StockingInventory 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 andor 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 caf location
• Skills Strong communication skills multitasking abilities and basic math skills Experience Previous barista or customer service experience preferred but not requiredwe will provide training for the right candidate Passion for Coffee A genuine interest in learning about coffee brewing techniques and latte art Food Handlers Card through the Clay County Department of Public Health will be needed within 30 days of hire Must obtain a Class E drivers license during new hire orientation must carry minimum coverage applicable by law for auto insurance Must Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination
• Equal Opportunity Employer