Be the best YOU!
Being a part of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) means you have a shared passion for supporting youth in reaching their full potential. YOU is a place where your unique background, perspectives, and talents are valued, and help innovate new program ideas to best support youth in our community.
You can make your impact here! Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where the work you do is truly valued. You will have the freedom to excel in your way by serving young people and knowing you are making a difference for our community.
Come be a part of a team that works alongside youth as they work on goals and be there to celebrate when they achieve those milestones. Help us continue creating a community where youth are embraced and will thrive.
Reporting to the Café (FOH) Team Leader & Events Coordinator, the Food Services, Site Barista plays a vital role in the successful operation of Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s (YOU) satellite food services, specifically at the assigned satellite Café location. This role combines food production, exceptional customer service, and community engagement to foster a welcoming, youth-focused environment that reflects YOU’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Qualified candidates possess exceptional communication and leadership skills, work well in a fast paced and dynamic environment, and hold values that support our corporate vision of being “A community where youth are embraced and will thrive”.
The Food Services, Site Barista is responsible for the preparation and presentation of high-quality beverages and food items, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to food safety and operational standards. As a front-line representative of YOU, the incumbent models outstanding guest service and acts as a brand ambassador, cultivating rapport with regular patrons, supporting guest retention, and helping to expand a loyal customer base through professional and personable service.
This role requires comprehensive knowledge of café operations, including espresso extraction, milk texturing, food handling, and cleaning and maintenance of café equipment. The Food Services, Barista also supports key operational functions such as daily closing procedures, cash handling and reconciliation, stock rotation, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
Working in collaboration with the Cafe (FOH) Team Leader & Events Coordinator, and broader food services team, the Food Services, Site Barista contributes to a cohesive enterprise environment that prioritizes mentorship and youth skill development. The position works cross-functionally with YOU staff - including Cooks, Employment and Housing teams, and Team Leaders - to support a coordinated, wrap-around model that promotes successful outcomes for youth.
This is a contract position with an end date of June 30, 2026.
Responsibilities:
- Executes day-to-day operations of Food and Beverage operations
- Interacts with guests and members of the community, providing superior service and representing YOU
- Implements and maintains strategies for café sales targets
- Prepares general correspondence
- Implements and maintains strategies towards the Perfect Guest Experience program
- Coordinates food safety and cleanliness program of Food and Beverage activities
- Promotes programming and providing tours to interested partners, clients, and internal YOU staff
- Assists with the training of new staff and students
- Participates in health and safety training, including WHMIS, and applies this knowledge in the workplace
- Report any violations of the Health and Safety Act or the regulations, or the existence of any hazard
- Ensure all workplace incidents are reported in a timely manner in accordance with legislation, and YOU policies and procedures for workplace injuries and incidents
- Other related duties, as required
Qualifications:
The incumbent must have strong food service, customer service, and guest retention skills, - with strong attention to details and be comfortable with a variety of people. The incumbent must demonstrate friendliness, creativity, and flexibility in dealing with the public, youth participants and YOU staff. Additionally, the following qualifications are expected:
- Completion of Highschool or GED
- 1-2 years related work experience
- Safe Food Handling Certification
- Recommended Education: Customer Service certificate
- Assets:
- Smart Serve
- First Aid
- Demonstrated knowledge of guest retention and proven ability to successfully enhance guest experience, with the ability to mentor in the steps of service.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook), digital media (as needed)
- Knowledge of public health standards for cleanliness and hygiene in the various kitchen areas, including refrigerators, storerooms, and product rotation to ensure high standards of freshness.
- Experience with production and plating/packaging of food production, with a strong focus on café and bistro meals of high standards to maintain the best quality food style possible.
- Experience with working in a quick service restaurant and using a Point-Of-Sale
- Demonstrated professional work habits, encourage staff to act with integrity and recognize this trait in others and reward them appropriately.
- Strong communication skills, including communicating additions or changes to the assignments as they arise throughout the shift.
- Ability to adhere to all Youth Opportunities Unlimited guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Demonstrated compliance with all governmental and regulatory requirements, ensuring safe food handling practices
- Valid Ontario G Class driver’s license in good standing
HOURS OF WORK
- 35 hours per week, flexible schedule depending on the needs of YOU
- Extended hours and weekend work may be required from time to time
- Some early mornings, evenings and weekend work may be required to support special events