Job Purpose:
As the Part Time (20 hours per week) Café Vocational Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in overseeing and supporting all activities in The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els that involve adults with autism participating in Adult Services programs. This position will be responsible for ensuring an organized, inclusive, and hands-on learning environment while promoting the development of independent living and vocational skills training for adults with autism.
This position will also support and work directly with the Café team members and assist with its daily operations and as directed. As a result, this position may include flexible work hours based on catered and fundraising events and may include occasional nights and weekends.
This role is a unique hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact by working with autistic adults supporting them and empowering them through vocational training in the food industry.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Autism Programmatic & Direct Service Responsibilities
Provide hands-on training and supervision for Adult Services participants with autism to support their skill development in areas including but not limited to:
o Food Preparation: Measuring ingredients, using kitchen utensils, following recipes, preparing simple dishes.
o Packaging: Portioning food, labeling containers, assembling customer and internet orders.
o Inventory Management: Stocking shelves, rotating stock, checking expiration dates, identifying and communicating when supplies are low.
o Food Delivery: Organizing breakfast and lunch delivery orders to staff and students/clients across campus, driving around the campus in the delivery car, interacting with customers during delivery, and delivering orders and catering around the neighborhood surrounding the campus.
o Vendor Liaison & Supply Pickup: Coordinate and pick up food and supplies as needed by the Café from designated stores, vendors and donors.
o Customer Service: Support participants in customer-facing roles by helping them practice communication, problem solving, workplace etiquette, while ensuring any sensory needs are addressed and all practices are evidence-based for autism.
o Structured Cooking Classes: Support and active participation in scheduled cooking or food service programs involving individuals with autism.
o Charter School Café Visits: Support and active participation in visits to the cafe by students with autism enrolled in the Palm Beach County public charter school on campus, ensuring that activities scheduled programs and visits adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations, promoting and enforcing workplace safety standards for both participants and staff.
Administrative Responsibilities
o Communicate regularly with Els for Autism adult services team members to address challenges, track progress, and adjust activities to meet participants’ needs.
o Create and implement evidence-based practices including the visual supports needed to increase participants mastery of skills across Els for Autism adult service offerings.
o Maintain accurate records of participant progress and activities within the café and provide regular updates and reports to the Café Manager regarding café operations and engagement with the Adult Services Department at Els for Autism.
o Assist with marketing efforts, including capturing photos and videos of clients working and learning in the café, creating and distributing flyers, and coordinating outreach efforts.
o In collaboration with the Els for Autism Adult Services team, provide autism training to cafe employees and cafe volunteers as needed.
Required Qualifications
o Experience working with or volunteering with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.
o Strong organizational and time-management skills.
o Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and communicate clearly.
o Servsafe Manager Certification
o Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the food service industry with food preparation, sanitation, inventory management, and fulfillment processes
o A valid driver’s license is required for supply pick-up and deliveries.
o Majority of hours will be worked Monday-Friday day time but may include nights and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
o Minimum of 2 years’ experience volunteering or working with individuals with autism or related developmental disabilities
o Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Culinary Arts
o Bachelor’s degree in psychology, special education, hospitality or related field.
Work Environment
o Work is normally performed in a typical cafe/restaurant environment
o Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds, stand for up to seven (7) hours, or bend as needed to perform assigned tasks
Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.
