Community Barista & Youth Workforce Mentor

SoLa Impact, LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 28,929; Part time

Job summary

The SoLa Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, is seeking a Barista for the 60th Street Café in South Los Angeles. You will provide friendly service, prepare high-quality coffee and beverages, and support student workforce programs.

Expected schedule is up to 26 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with a focus on delivering welcoming service while maintaining café operations. Pay rate is $18-$21 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 2–3 years of barista or café experience preferred.
• Experience working with youth, workforce development, or community-based organizations is a plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced café or restaurant environment preferred.
• Previous experience in hospitality, food service, or customer service.
• California Food Handler Card required or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty beverages according to café recipes and quality standards.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by greeting guests warmly and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Accurately process customer transactions using the point-of-sale (POS) system.
• Answer customer questions regarding menu items and make product recommendations.
• Ensure beverage presentation, consistency, and quality standards are maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café, beverage station, dining room, and work areas throughout each shift.
• Perform daily opening, closing, and side-work duties.
• Restock coffee, beverage, food, paper goods, and retail inventory throughout the day.
• Assist with food preparation, packaging, plating, and order assembly as needed.
• Support catering preparation and special events when assigned.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, health department, and company policies.
• Assist in other areas of café operations as business needs require, including front-of-house, back-of-house, food preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, and customer service.
• Cross-train in multiple café functions to support efficient daily operations.
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, managers, instructors, and fellow team members to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and solution-oriented attitude while adapting to changing priorities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support café operations, workforce development activities, catering services, special events, and the overall mission of the SoLa Foundation.
• Support hands-on training for students enrolled in SoLa Foundation's culinary and hospitality workforce development programs.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and excellent customer service.
• Provide encouragement and constructive feedback to students while reinforcing workplace expectations.
• Help foster a positive learning environment that promotes confidence, skill development, and career readiness.
• Maintain knowledge of coffee products, brewing methods, café menu items, and seasonal offerings.
• Monitor inventory levels and notify management of supply needs.
• Ensure all beverages and food items are prepared consistently and meet quality standards.
• Properly operate and maintain espresso machines, grinders, and other café equipment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Punctual

Team player

Independent work

Flexibility

Food safety

Hospitality

Availability (evenings/weekends)

Community impact

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The SoLa Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, is seeking a Barista for the 60th Street Café in South Los Angeles. You will provide friendly service, prepare high-quality coffee and beverages, and support student workforce programs.

Expected schedule is up to 26 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with a focus on delivering welcoming service while maintaining café operations. Pay rate is $18-$21 per hour.