At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community.
- Company: Join a friendly café within a vibrant bookshop and art gallery in North Berwick.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, complimentary drinks, and travel expense claims while volunteering.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students looking to gain experience.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community and gain valuable experience in customer service.
- Qualifications: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
The purpose of this role is to provide a café service for the local community and visitors to North Berwick. The café sits within our secondhand bookshop, art gallery and new gift shop on Westgate in the centre of North Berwick. Our aim is to provide a welcoming, friendly, attractive space for people to meet together with friends and family or just come in for a quiet coffee on their own. We aim to maintain a high level of professional service and cleanliness. Our Hospice Values are: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership. We aim to demonstrate these values in the way we operate our café and shop in North Berwick.
What will I be doing / involved in?
- Providing a friendly, helpful and professional service to customers
- Taking orders, serving food, clearing tables, washing up
- Preparing and serving hot food (e.g. paninis, toasties, etc.)
- Using the till system and handling cash
- Maintaining excellent levels of hygiene in the preparation, serving and seating areas of the café, following food hygiene standards
- Being aware of food allergens and intolerances and knowing which of our products these apply to
- Taking part in any relevant training as requested by the café manager, including Food Hygiene Training and Allergens Training
- Communicating with customers and co-workers to improve the service and solve problems
What experience or skills do I need?
- Friendly with excellent customer service and communication skills
- Able to establish good working relationships and work well within a team
- Numerate (able to operate till and handle cash transactions)
- Able to prioritise when the café is busy
- Willingness to undertake training in the operation of equipment within the café
- Willingness to abide by food hygiene standards and allergen training
- Good personal hygiene practices
- Some experience of volunteering or working in a café would be an advantage, but full training will be given
- Willing to keep informed and stay updated about the work of St Columba's Hospice and the services that we offer, so that this can be communicated to customers
Time commitment and duration
We are looking for volunteers able to commit to weekly or fortnightly shifts of 3-4 hours a day.
Where will I be based?
Westgate, North Berwick.
Who will be supporting me?
Café Manager and other members of staff, Volunteer Services team.
Recruitment checks
- Interview with Volunteer Services Manager and Café Manager
- Application form
- Two references
- Volunteers must be 14 years or over
Training
- Volunteer Induction programme
- Café Induction Programme (including 1:1 induction with café manager and work shadowing with experienced volunteer)
- Team meetings (as necessary)
- Ad hoc volunteer training/support programme
Additional information
Volunteers may claim reasonable travelling expenses for transport to and from the café. Please speak to your manager about this. The café provides complimentary tea and coffee to all volunteers whilst you are on shift. If you volunteer for a full day at the café, you can claim a free meal from the café. Please speak to your manager about this.
North Berwick Cafe Volunteer employer: Job Search Place Limited
Joining our café team in North Berwick offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a welcoming community hub while embodying our Hospice Values of Care, Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership. We foster a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through training and teamwork, ensuring that every volunteer feels valued and empowered. With the added benefits of complimentary refreshments and meal provisions during shifts, volunteering here is not just about service; it's about being part of a caring community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land North Berwick Cafe Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café and its vibe! Pop in for a coffee before applying, chat with the staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand what they value and how you can fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality during the interview! They’re looking for friendly faces, so let your warmth and enthusiasm shine through. Share your passion for community service and how you can contribute to their welcoming environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your customer service skills! Think of examples from past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. This will show them you’re a perfect fit for their café culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your excitement about the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace North Berwick Cafe Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for helping others and your love for a friendly café atmosphere.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t worked in a café before, mention any customer service experience or volunteering you've done. We value all experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with people and work as part of a team.
Show Your Commitment:Make sure to express your willingness to commit to regular shifts. We’re looking for volunteers who can dedicate time to our café, so let us know how often you can help out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get back to you about the next steps in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know the Café's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the hospice's values: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership. Think about how you can demonstrate these values in your answers and interactions during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing a friendly and professional service, be ready to share examples of your previous customer service experiences. Highlight any situations where you went above and beyond to help a customer or resolve an issue.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food hygiene and allergens, as these are crucial in a café setting. Brush up on basic food safety practices and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, like dealing with a customer with food allergies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the café. You might ask about the training process, team dynamics, or how volunteers can contribute to the café's community spirit.
