Training & Support Officer – Bites & Brews Cafe

About The Bridge

The Bridge Incorporated is a community-based not-for-profit supporting people with disability and other disadvantaged backgrounds across Melbourne’s south-east and northern suburbs.

Through supported employment, we create opportunities for people to build skills, develop confidence and participate in meaningful work. Our focus is on inclusion, growth and creating workplaces where people can thrive.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to be part of something new from the very beginning.

The Bridge is preparing to open its first social enterprise café, located at 13 Daphne Street, Bellfield, and we’re looking for a passionate Training & Support Officer to help bring it to life.

More than just a café, this new venture will provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability in a supportive, inclusive and customer-focused hospitality environment.

Working alongside employees each day, you’ll provide practical workplace training, coaching and support while helping create a positive café culture where people can learn, contribute and grow. You’ll supervise work teams, support skill development and play an important role in helping employees achieve their individual workplace goals.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll work alongside employees in day-to-day café operations, balancing customer service, teamwork and workplace development.

The café is expected to open in October, however we’re open to discussing commencement dates as we prepare for launch.

Duties

• Supervise and support employees within a café and hospitality environment
• Deliver practical, on-the-job training tailored to different learning styles
• Support employees to develop hospitality, customer service and workplace skills
• Coach employees to build confidence, independence and work readiness
• Delegate tasks and support daily café operations
• Monitor workplace safety, food safety and quality standards
• Support employees to achieve individual goals and development outcomes
• Participate in employee reviews, performance discussions and workplace assessments
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a positive and inclusive environment
• Contribute to the successful launch and ongoing operation of the café

Skills & Experience

• Cert IV in Disability, Training & Assessment or approved equivalent
• Experience in supported employment, disability support or community services
• Vocational training, workplace coaching or mentoring experience
• Hospitality, café or food service experience highly regarded
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to support people with diverse strengths, learning styles and support needs
• A hands-on approach and willingness to work alongside employees throughout the day
• Passion for inclusion, skill development and creating meaningful opportunities for others

Why Join Us?

This isn’t just another support role.

You’ll have the opportunity to help shape a brand-new social enterprise from day one, creating meaningful employment pathways for people with disability while helping establish a café that becomes an important part of the local community.

If you’re someone who enjoys practical, purpose-driven work and wants to see the impact of your support firsthand, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Up to $18,500 in not-for-profit salary packaging
• Competitive salary plus superannuation
• Extra day of leave during your birthday month
• Sonder EAP including counselling, nutrition, medical and financial support
• Discounts on private health insurance
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Supportive and values-driven team culture
• Opportunity to contribute to an exciting new social enterprise from the ground up

Join us as we launch The Bridge’s first social enterprise café and help create meaningful employment opportunities that change lives.