Cafe Manager/Barista

Progressive Directions Inc. (PDI)•Clarksville, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

If you love coffee, people, and purpose — this one’s for you! Common Ground Café is looking for a hands-on Café Manager / Barista to run day-to-day operations, lead a small team, serve great food and drinks, and support an inclusive internship program for individuals with developmental disabilities. This role blends management + barista + job coaching in a fast-paced, mission-driven café environment. Why This Role Hits Different Mission-driven work with real community impact Leadership role where you’re actually involved (not stuck in an office) Supportive team environment Every day is different and meaningful

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Food service or restaurant management experience required
Strong leadership, multitasking, and customer service skills
Comfortable being on your feet and leading by example
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Ability to pass background check, drug test and meet DDA/TennCare training requirements
On your feet 90–95% of the shift
Frequent bending, lifting, cleaning, and movement
Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs
Typical hours: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with occasional schedule changes

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee daily front- and back-of-house operations
Ensure compliance with TN Department of Health food service standards
Handle ordering, vendors, deliveries, and inventory
Open/close the café, maintain cleanliness, and jump in wherever needed
Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, and beverages
Support dine-in, to-go, phone, and catering orders
Train staff on menu knowledge, customer service, and dietary needs
Resolve customer concerns quickly and professionally
Supervise café staff and interns
Create schedules, manage timecards, and approve PTO
Lead training, team meetings, and daily workflow
Partner with HR on performance and disciplinary matters
Manage Square POS and KDS systems (pricing, modifiers, reports)
Process transactions, donations, and daily sales reports
Support a structured internship program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
Teach job skills like teamwork, communication, grooming, and customer service
Participate in orientations, check-ins, and celebrations of progress
Coordinate weekly specials with PR
Provide photos/videos for social media and promotions
Attend community outreach events as needed