At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running the community café and support local events.
- Company: Join Oxford City Council, dedicated to enhancing community life.
- Benefits: Enjoy a part-time role with flexible hours and a friendly atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in food service and strong customer service skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for students looking to balance work and studies.
Job Description
Job Title: Community and Café AssistantLocation: Oxford (OX4)Working Hours: Part-time – 28 hours per week (Monday to Thursday mornings)Pay Rate: £13.68 per hourContract Type: Temporary
About the RoleOxford City Council is seeking a friendly and enthusiastic Community and Café Assistant to join our team at Rose Hill Community Centre. This is a part-time role ideal for someone who enjoys working with the public, has basic cooking and baking skills, and is passionate about supporting the local community.
You’ll be a key part of the day-to-day running of the centre, helping to create a welcoming environment for all visitors. The café is steady but not overly busy, offering a great opportunity to engage with customers while preparing simple, healthy, and budget-friendly meals.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch options in the community café
- Provide catering packages for local clients and community groups
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the centre
- Support activities and events, including setting up and packing away equipment
- Cover front-of-house reception, greet visitors, and handle enquiries
- Promote café offerings and other centre services
- Handle cash and reconcile café takings
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety standards
Essential Criteria
- Experience in a café or food-serving environment
- Strong customer service skills in a front-line role
- Positive attitude and community spirit
- Basic numeracy and cash-handling experience
- Good communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to prepare simple meals and manage multiple orders
- Understanding of food hygiene and allergy awareness
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse communities
- Flexibility with working hours
Desirable Criteria
- First Aid qualification
- Food Hygiene or Safety Certificate
- Creative and inclusive approach to menu planning
- Knowledge of COSHH and Health & Safety practices
- Awareness of local community needs and cost-of-living challenges
If you are interested, please apply.
Community and Cafe Assistant employer: Reed
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community and Cafe Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the demographics and challenges faced by residents in Oxford, especially in the Rose Hill area, will help you connect better with customers and demonstrate your commitment to supporting the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your food hygiene knowledge. Since the role involves preparing and serving food, having a solid understanding of food safety practices will not only boost your confidence but also show us that you take health and safety seriously.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills. Engaging with visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner is crucial for this role. Consider volunteering or taking part in community events to gain experience in interacting with diverse groups of people.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to showcase your cooking skills. Since basic cooking and baking are part of the job, think about simple meals or snacks you can prepare. You might even want to bring a sample dish to share during your interview to highlight your culinary abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Community and Cafe Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and any roles in food preparation or cafés. Emphasise your ability to work with the public and your enthusiasm for community engagement.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting the local community. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your customer service skills and your positive attitude, which are essential for this role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your basic cooking and baking skills, as well as your understanding of food hygiene and safety standards. This will show that you are prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
Show Your Community Spirit: Express your commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse communities in your application. Share any previous experiences where you have contributed to community activities or events, as this aligns with the values of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with the public and supporting the local community. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to community service, as this role is all about creating a welcoming environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to engage with customers and handle enquiries effectively, so be ready to showcase your communication skills.
✨Highlight Your Cooking and Food Hygiene Knowledge
Since the role involves preparing meals, it's important to discuss your basic cooking skills and understanding of food hygiene. Mention any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your knowledge in these areas.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility and Teamwork
This position requires flexibility and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others and adapted to changing situations in past jobs.