Part-Time Cafe Barista

JOB SUMMARY

The SoLa Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, works to end intergenerational poverty in South Los Angeles through community development and by creating access to economic and educational opportunities for youth and adults. Focusing on underinvested communities, SoLa increases access to jobs, mentorship, scholarships, technology training, workforce development, and career pathways in technology, entertainment, hospitality, and business.

The 60th Street Café serves as both a neighborhood café and a hands-on workforce training site. We are seeking a passionate, customer-focused, and community-minded Barista to join our team. The ideal candidate is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, preparing high-quality beverages, and creating a welcoming environment while supporting the development of students participating in our culinary and hospitality workforce programs.

This position requires flexibility and teamwork. In addition to barista responsibilities, the Barista assists with general café operations, food service, and other duties as needed to ensure an efficient, clean, and successful operation.

PAY RATE: $18-$21 PER HOUR

UP TO 26 HOURS PER WEEK - M-F

Requirements

Beverage Preparation & Customer Service

• Prepare and serve high-quality coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty beverages according to café recipes and quality standards.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by greeting guests warmly and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Accurately process customer transactions using the point-of-sale (POS) system.
• Answer customer questions regarding menu items and make product recommendations.
• Ensure beverage presentation, consistency, and quality standards are maintained.

Café Operations

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café, beverage station, dining room, and work areas throughout each shift.
• Perform daily opening, closing, and side-work duties.
• Restock coffee, beverage, food, paper goods, and retail inventory throughout the day.
• Assist with food preparation, packaging, plating, and order assembly as needed.
• Support catering preparation and special events when assigned.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, health department, and company policies.

Teamwork & Operational Support

• Assist in other areas of café operations as business needs require, including front-of-house, back-of-house, food preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, and customer service.
• Cross-train in multiple café functions to support efficient daily operations.
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, managers, instructors, and fellow team members to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and solution-oriented attitude while adapting to changing priorities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support café operations, workforce development activities, catering services, special events, and the overall mission of the SoLa Foundation.

Training & Mentorship

• Support hands-on training for students enrolled in SoLa Foundation's culinary and hospitality workforce development programs.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and excellent customer service.
• Provide encouragement and constructive feedback to students while reinforcing workplace expectations.
• Help foster a positive learning environment that promotes confidence, skill development, and career readiness.

Product Quality & Inventory

• Maintain knowledge of coffee products, brewing methods, café menu items, and seasonal offerings.
• Monitor inventory levels and notify management of supply needs.
• Ensure all beverages and food items are prepared consistently and meet quality standards.
• Properly operate and maintain espresso machines, grinders, and other café equipment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 2–3 years of barista or café experience preferred.
• Previous experience in hospitality, food service, or customer service.
• Experience working with youth, workforce development, or community-based organizations is a plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced café or restaurant environment preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and detail-oriented.
• Positive attitude with a strong team-first mentality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to perform a variety of café responsibilities as operational needs change.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organization, and hospitality.
• Passion for coffee, hospitality, and community impact.
• Availability to work weekdays, evenings, and occasional weekends as needed.
• Valid California Food Handler Card or willingness to obtain upon hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently use hands and arms to prepare beverages, operate café equipment, and handle food products.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequently lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to safely operate commercial coffee and food service equipment.

Benefits

At SoLa Impact, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.