Cafe Program Coordinator

Inspiration Corporation•Chicago, IL

About The Position

In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation. In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant-driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing. The Cafe Program Coordinator is part of the Housing and Homeless Engagement Services team at Inspiration Corporation. The Café Program Coordinator oversees the front of house cafe space and services when the Café Program Supervisor is not on site. The Café Program Coordinator supports program services including resource room, food pantry, mail services, drop-in and administrative and cleaning functions as needed. The Café Program Coordinator is responsible for upholding cafe polices and ensuring the cafe remains a safe environment.

Requirements

1-2 years of experience working in a customer service, food service and/or social service setting.
English-language proficiency to communicate with volunteers, staff and meals guests, write meal order tickets and serve meals required.
A valid Chicago Food & Sanitation License, within three months of position start date is required (training provided).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish preferred.
Experience in a work environment supported by volunteer services is preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values.
Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
Ensure the efficient and effective provision of meals with dignity and respect in accordance with the agency’s mission.
Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency’s participants are addressed.
Attend department and agency meetings.
Coordinate meal service in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
Ensure the proper set up and clean-up of the café space.
Maintain a positive, organized, and safe milieu during scheduled meals at the café.
Ensure the IC Code of Conduct is upheld during meals with fairness and consistency.
Greet, serve, and communicate with all participants professionally.
Supervise, assist, and train volunteers.
Ensure appropriate data collection and reporting for meals service.
Communicate all incidents to the Cafe Program Supervisor in a timely manner.
Effectively address and resolve conflict between participants.
Act in a professional manner at all times and maintain appropriate boundaries with participants.
Remain alert to potentially unsafe situations and respond to maintain a safe environment for all.
Demonstrate openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and lived experience of participants and co-workers.
Contact emergency personnel for situations that require the assistance of fire, ambulance, police, or mental health emergency professionals.
Attend and participate in trainings.
Report to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.
Support participant access to services and resources (e.g. mail, food pantries, food, hygiene items, notary services, etc). Provide computer assistance. Record data for service reporting.
Accept, record, and store bagged lunches and donations as needed
Notify the Help Desk of equipment repair and maintenance issues.
Provide excellent customer service to all as the first point of contact to the agency (including answering and transferring calls). Check in participants and manage front door access to ensure agency safety,
Maintain flyers
Support the engagement of partner agencies