Employment Services Café Lead

Lanakila Pacific helps individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges build independence and improve their quality of life. Through our Employment Services programs, we provide training, support, and meaningful employment opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal and professional goals.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Café Lead is responsible for supporting the daily operation of the Lanakila Pacific Café at the YMCA Nuuanu location while providing hands-on training, coaching, and supervision to Employment Services participants. This position plays a key role in fostering skill development, workplace readiness, and customer service excellence while ensuring food safety, quality standards, and efficient café operations. The Café Lead supports Lanakila Pacific's mission and values by demonstrating teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work–life balance, including:

• Health Insurance (medical, vision, and dental)
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Lifestyle Benefits (employee wellness and support programs)
• Additional organizational perks and employee support programs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High school diploma, certificate of completion, or equivalent
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in food service operations or a related field
• Valid driver's license and clean driver's abstract
• Ability to obtain and maintain required clearances and certifications, including: TB clearance, Criminal background check, Pre-employment drug test, CPS/APS clearance, Food Handler Certificate, CPR/First Aid Certification

Preferred

• Experience teaching, coaching, or facilitating learning
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or similar populations
• Knowledge of USDA, state, or federal nutritional guidelines
• Knowledge of healthy vegetarian and vegan food preparation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Participant Training & Support:

• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and support to Employment Services participants.
• Teach food preparation, food safety, sanitation, customer service, and cashiering skills.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
• Collaborate with Employment Services staff to support participant goals and development plans.
• Serve as a positive role model through professional conduct, attendance, and communication.

Café Operations:

• Assist in the day-to-day operation of the café.
• Oversee food and beverage preparation in accordance with recipes and quality standards.
• Ensure proper portion control and accommodation of customer dietary and allergy requirements.
• Support inventory management and cash handling functions.
• Address customer concerns professionally and help maintain excellent customer service standards.

Sanitation & Equipment:

• Follow and enforce all food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP guidelines.
• Demonstrate safe and proper use of café equipment and food preparation tools.
• Ensure equipment, utensils, and work areas are clean and maintained.
• Monitor food storage and inventory to maintain quality and safety standards.

Documentation & Other Duties:

• Maintain participant attendance and training records.
• Document required safety training and inspections.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program activities.
• Complete other related duties as assigned in support of the Employment Services program and Lanakila Pacific's mission.

 WORKING CONDITIONS/HOURS:

• Part-time position
• Monday through Friday, typically between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; schedule may vary based on operational needs.
• Work is performed in a café environment with occasional travel to other program sites, meetings, or events as needed.
• May require flexibility to work weekends or holidays based on program and operational requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent standing, handling, pushing, pulling, talking, and hearing.
• Occasional walking, travel, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, tasting, and sensory activities related to food preparation.
• Ability to perform duties in a fast-paced café environment.