Café Vocational Support Specialist

Job Purpose

This role is a unique hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact by working with autistic adults supporting them and empowering them through vocational training in the food industry.

As the Caf Vocational Support Specialist you will play a vital role in overseeing and supporting all activities in The Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els that involve adults with autism participating in the Adult Day Training (ADT) Career Exploration & Training (CET) and Work Experience (WE) programs. Your responsibilities will be to ensure an organized inclusive and hands-on learning environment while promoting the development of independent living and vocational skills training for adults with autism as well as to support and work directly with the Caf team members and assist with its daily operations and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Key Responsibilities are to ensure inclusion and immersion of adults with autism in the Caf overseeing and monitoring their daily activities and to provide support to the Caf team in all aspects of the daily operations of the Caf as directed:
• Provide hands-on training and supervision for Adult Day Training/Employment Program participants with autism to support their skill development in areas including but not limited to:
  • Food prep
  • Packaging
  • Inventory Management
  • Food Delivery
  • Vendor Liaison and Supply Pick up
• Autism Programmatic Responsibilities:
  • Support participants in customer-facing roles including the creation and implementation of visual supports needed to increase participants mastery of skills
  • Support and active participation in scheduled cooking or food service programs involving individuals with autism.
  • Support and active participation in visits to the cafe by students with autism enrolled in the Palm Beach County public charter school on campus ensuring that activities scheduled programs and visits adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations promoting and enforcing workplace safety standards for both participants and staff.
  • Maintain accurate records of participant progress and activities within the caf and provide regular updates and reports to the Caf Manager regarding caf operations
  • Assist with marketing efforts including capturing photos and videos of clients working and learning in the caf creating and distributing flyers and coordinating outreach efforts.
  • In collaboration with the Els for Autism Adult Services team provide autism training to cafe employees and cafe volunteers as needed.

• Required Qualifications

  • Experience working with or volunteering with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and communicate clearly.
  • Servsafe Manager Certification
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in the food service industry with food preparation sanitation inventory management and fulfillment processes
  • A valid drivers license is required for supply pick-up and deliveries.
  • Ability to work flexible hours that may include nights and weekends

  Preferred Qualifications

  Experience working with or volunteering with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience volunteering or working with individuals with autism or related developmental disabilities
  • Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Culinary Arts
  • Bachelors degree in psychology special education hospitality or related field.

Work Environment

• Work is normally performed in a typical cafe/restaurant environment
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds stand for up to seven (7) hours or bend as needed to perform assigned tasks

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and all individuals regardless of background identity or ability are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more please visit .

Must successfully complete a Level 2 background check

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority