Cook – Job Coach
Who We Are
People First is an independent customer-led charitable organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 35 years.
We are passionate about our values of equality, respect and inclusion. We provide a wide range of support and information services across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North East, all aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy and fulfilled lives.
Purpose of Job
As a Cook (Job Coach), you will work as part of our new Workington Café Team to create high-quality food whilst supporting people with learning disabilities to develop practical catering and workplace skills.
A People First Café is a unique place that brings together excellent hospitality and hands-on work experience for people with learning disabilities. Each of our spaces follows a coaching model where our staff work side-by-side with people with learning disabilities, sharing skills and mentorship to deliver an excellent service whilst developing work-ready skills.
This role combines cooking, coaching and mentorship. You will prepare food to a high standard, ensuring meals are fresh, appealing and ready for customers whilst supporting learners to develop their confidence, independence and cooking ability.
You will work closely with our Café Manager/Chef and Hospitality Job Coach to create a positive learning environment where people can gain real workplace experience and develop skills that support future employment opportunities.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys cooking but is equally passionate about helping others to learn, achieve and succeed.
The Department: A Café with a Difference
We're very excited to be launching our new café in the heart of Workington's Harbour, with a planned opening date in November 2026.
Located within Harbour Place, Riverside's new supported living development, the café will provide a welcoming space for residents, visitors, local workers and the wider community to enjoy freshly prepared food and drink.
With initial opening hours of 8.30am to 1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the café will serve a range of hot and cold meals, snacks and refreshments in a modern and welcoming environment. The project has been designed to create meaningful learning and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and other disabilities across West Cumbria.
As a Cook (Job Coach), you will help bring this vision to life every day. Working alongside learners, you will prepare high-quality food whilst sharing your skills, knowledge and experience to help others develop their confidence and culinary abilities.
This is a unique opportunity to help establish a new social enterprise from the ground up, creating a café that becomes known not only for delicious food and excellent customer service, but also for its positive impact within the local community.
The Person
You must believe in People First's values of inclusion, fairness and kindness and be committed to creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The successful candidate will have experience working within a kitchen or food preparation environment and be confident preparing a range of meals to a good standard.
You will be patient, supportive and approachable. You'll enjoy sharing your knowledge with others and helping people to develop their confidence and practical skills within a real workplace environment.
Our successful candidate will be approachable and able to facilitate the learning of
others. They need to be passionate about providing opportunities and
support to others who are learning to work in the hospitality industry. You will be able to work with other people who support our learners such as parents and carers and take part in regular reviews to monitor progress.
You will understand the importance of food safety, consistency and quality whilst also recognising that every shift is an opportunity to help someone learn something new.
Ultimately, you'll be a team player who enjoys working alongside others and takes pride in producing great food whilst supporting people to achieve their goals.
Qualifications
- Relevant food preparation, catering or hospitality qualifications and/or experience.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene certification or a willingness and ability to achieve this during induction
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working within hospitality, catering or food service.
- Experience preparing and serving a variety of hot and cold dishes.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements.
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen processes.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to support and encourage people with learning disabilities.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Positive and proactive approach.
- Ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
- Ability to maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
Duties Will Include
- Preparing food and cooking on a daily basis.
- Supporting learners to develop catering, cooking and food preparation skills.
- Demonstrating safe and effective kitchen practices.
- Assisting with menu preparation and food presentation.
- Ensuring food is prepared to a consistently high standard.
- Maintaining food hygiene, cleanliness and safety standards.
- Supporting stock rotation and reporting stock requirements.
- Working closely with the Café Manager/Chef and wider café team.
- Encouraging learners to build confidence, independence and workplace skills.
- Sharing knowledge and skills with learners and colleagues.
Other Duties
- The duties outlined above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change as the needs of the organisation alter in line with current agendas.
- Due to the developing nature of our organisation, we require staff to remain highly flexible in their approach and work to meet the changing needs of projects.
For more information
If you’d like any further information about the role or if you have any questions, please contact our Assistant Director of Development and Innovation: [email protected]
To apply
If you’re interested in the role and think you’d be a good fit, we’d like to hear from you.
To apply for this position, please email a copy of your CV (including two references) and a one-page description of why you’d be a good fit for the role to [email protected]or alternatively, you can post for the attention of Barry to People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB
All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential - Cook – Job Coach
To arrive no later than 5.00 pm on 1st October 2026 (this date may change depending on the volume of applications).