Department: People First Academy
Reporting To: Team Leader
Salary: £14.24 per hour
Work Hours: Up to 30hrs per week, to be discussed. Up till the end of the year.
Contract Type: Temporary
Benefits: Weekdays only; no unsociable hours; no split shifts; a unique role with a powerful purpose.

Who we are

People First is an independent customer-led charitable organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 30 years (with registered charity numbers 1184112 and 1184467).

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 Teesside, all aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy and fulfilled lives.

Purpose of job
As a Hospitality and Catering Job Coach), you work alongside a supportive team to achieve three main things:

  • You’ll produce a range of savoury and sweet food for our café and our conference centre’s onsite restaurant, The Riverbank Kitchen
  • You will work side by side with people with learning disabilities, sharing your skills as a mentor, supporting them to develop their cooking ability and hospitality skills as you work together in our well-equipped kitchen/ Café
  • You will deliver excellent customer service to customers using our Café and Conference Centre.

Weekday only and with no unsociable hours, this is a unique role that will suit someone who is a great cook, has a passion for hospitality and also a great mentor.

If you’re a compassionate person who would enjoy sharing your skills with others; can produce delicious food and great customer service whilst also supporting those around you; this is the perfect role for you.

The Department


 This role sits within the People First Academy, based in our Conference Centre on Milbourne Street in Carlisle and our People First Cafe, based at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Cumberland Infirmary. We provide real work experience, training and qualifications for people with learning disabilities whilst also operating social enterprises to generate income.

You will join a team that operate our Conference Centre and Cafe; both of which are highly regarded hospitality venues that provide an outstanding service delivered by an inclusive and dynamic team.

The kitchen team utilise their cooking skills to prepare delicious food and contribute to our education programmes by offering and supporting placements within a food prep setting. The front of house team deliver excellent customer service and support placements within the Conference Centre and Café.

The Person

You must believe in People First’s core values of inclusion, fairness and kindness, and you must be driven by our mission to create a fairer more inclusive workforce.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a fast-paced kitchen. You will be kind and creative, and you’ll know how to work to tight deadlines. You’ll be confident preparing both sweet and savoury dishes, cakes and bakes and hot and cold buffets. You will have experience in hospitality and deliver excellent customer service.

You’ll enjoy cooking, be knowledgeable of safety and hygiene standards, food labelling, EHO guidelines and COSHH.

Ultimately, you’ll be a team player, who enjoys working with others; you’ll like to make something your own, and to share your skills with those around you. You will also have the ability to work independently. You’ll be approachable and able to facilitate the learning of others within the kitchen and Café settings.

Qualifications

  • Good all-round level of Education and qualifications and experience in food preparation and/or catering
  • Good experience working in hospitality.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

  • Experience working in food and drink prep
  • Proven experience preparing both sweet and savoury dishes
  • Knowledge of EHO, COSHH and Food Hygiene standards
  • Track record of working in a busy kitchen environment
  • Strong team work ability
  • Experience in, or willingness to learn, food ordering and cash handling
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Naturally supportive presence
  • Experience working with people with learning disabilities is desirable - not essential
  • Good knowledge of allergens and correct labelling
  • Motivated, enthusiastic, and eager to share knowledge and skills

Duties will include:

  • Preparing food and cooking on a day-to-day basis
  • Mentorship/Job Coaching: supporting people in the team with learning disabilities to develop their skills
  • Contributing to the learning experience of people with learning disabilities with encouragement and commitment
  • Opening and closing our Café and kitchen spaces
  • Contributing to excellent safety and cleanliness standards
  • Sharing information and knowledge with team members to ensure safety
  • Developing relationships with local suppliers
  • Keeping up to date with all Food Safety regulations.
  • Daily and weekly stock ordering and ensuring good stock rotation.

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 the projects.

For more information
If you’d like any further information about the role, if you have any questions please contact either:

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 details of two references, 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 – Hospitality & Catering Job Coach

Closing date – 5.00pm, 14th July 2026