Café Barista – Kosher Care Home

The post-holder plays an important role in providing a welcoming, friendly, and respectful service to residents, visitors, and staff, while maintaining a clean and organised working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service to residents, staff, and visitors, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
• Prepare and serve beverages (including coffee, tea, and cold drinks) and light kosher snacks efficiently and courteously.
• Take orders accurately, process payments, and handle cash and card transactions responsibly.
• Respond politely and promptly to requests or feedback, and escalate concerns to the Café Supervisor when necessary.
• Support residents who may require additional assistance with ordering or carrying food and drinks.

Food and Beverage Preparation

• Prepare all beverages and food items according to recipes and presentation standards set by the Café Supervisor and Head Chef.
• Follow correct procedures for handling, heating, and serving kosher-certified products.
• Monitor product quality and freshness, and ensure stock rotation (first-in, first-out).
• Maintain correct portion sizes and minimise waste.

Kosher Compliance

• Follow all Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) in food and beverage preparation and service:
  • Maintain strict separation of meat, dairy, and parev (neutral) items, utensils, and equipment.
  • Use only designated and clearly labelled work areas for each food category.
  • Confirm that all food and drinks used in the café have valid kosher certification.
  • Report any potential breaches of kosher practice immediately to the Café Supervisor or Deputy General Manager
• Respect the religious and cultural environment of the care home at all times.

Food Safety and Hygiene

The Café Barista must comply with all relevant food and hygiene legislation, including:

• Food Safety Act 1990
• Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
• Food Information Regulations 2014 (Allergen Labelling)
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Key duties:

• Adhere to the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system and record temperature checks as required.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the café area, including work surfaces, equipment, and seating areas.
• Ensure all food and drink items are labelled correctly and allergen information is displayed clearly.
• Complete cleaning schedules and follow infection control procedures.
• Hold a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or be willing to complete one).

Health & Safety

• Use all equipment (coffee machines, grinders, fridges, etc.) safely and in accordance with training.
• Report any faults, hazards, or accidents immediately to the Café Supervisor.
• Follow manual handling and fire safety procedures.
• Participate in mandatory health and safety training and emergency drills.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work cooperatively with the Café Supervisor, Executive/Head Chef, and kitchen team to ensure seamless service.
• Communicate effectively with residents and colleagues, demonstrating patience, empathy, and respect.
• Assist with stock deliveries and ensure items are stored correctly.
• Support colleagues during busy periods or special events.

Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate daily records of cleaning, temperature checks, and stock rotation.
• Follow cash-handling and till reconciliation procedures.
• Assist with stock counts and inventory control as required.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Qualifications

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Knowledge

Basic food and drink preparation, hygiene, and customer service

Skills

Good communication, customer service, and attention to detail

Personal Qualities

Friendly, respectful, reliable, and team-oriented

Values and Conduct

All staff are expected to:

• Provide courteous, respectful, and inclusive service to all residents, visitors, and staff.
• Uphold the care home’s ethos of dignity, safety, and cultural sensitivity.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR requirements.
• Promote and respect kosher observance in all food and drink service.
• Act as an ambassador for the care home’s hospitality and professionalism.