Program Coordinator - Fresh Start Café

Position Summary

The Program Coordinator – Fresh Start Café is responsible for overseeing the Fresh Start Café workforce training program while supporting individuals in early recovery as they develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment. The position combines program coordination, participant coaching, workforce-readiness training, and café operations management to provide meaningful work experience and skill-development opportunities.

The Program Coordinator creates a supportive learning environment where participants gain practical job skills, workplace confidence, financial literacy, and employment readiness. The Fresh Start Café serves as a training site where participants can practice and develop skills that support successful reintegration into the workforce and community.

This position is ideal for someone who values recovery, community, and practical leadership in a hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities

Workforce Development and Participant Training

• Recruit, orient, and support staff members (participants) working in the Fresh Start Café workforce development program.
• Develop and maintain individualized participant goals and training plans.
• Provide instruction and coaching in workplace professionalism, communication skills, time management, customer service, conflict resolution, teamwork, resume development, job search strategies, and goal setting
• Monitor participant progress and provide ongoing feedback and support.
• Assist participants in identifying barriers to employment and connecting with community resources.
• Coordinate participant transitions into competitive employment opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers willing to hire individuals in recovery.

Fresh Start Café Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of the Fresh Start Café.
• Train participants in food preparation techniques, kitchen safety procedures, cash handling and point-of-sale systems, and cleaning and maintenance responsibilities
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Maintain inventory levels and coordinate purchasing of food and supplies.
• Monitor food costs and café revenue.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and functioning.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for participants, staff, and customers.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise Café staff and program participants.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Develop and manage staff schedules.
• Review and approve timesheets.
• Foster a positive, recovery-oriented workplace culture.

Program Administration

• Maintain participant records and training documentation.
• Develop and maintain relevant policies and procedures of the kitchen and workforce training program.
• Track program outcomes, including participant enrollment, training completion, employment placements, employment retention
• Assist with grant reporting and data collection.
• Prepare reports as requested by the Executive Director.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information.

Community Engagement

• Promote the mission of the 12-24 Club and Fresh Start Café.
• Participate in community outreach activities and events.
• Collaborate with community partners, treatment providers, and employers.
• Support fundraising and special events as needed.

Qualifications

• Personal experience with recovery.
• High School Diploma or GED plus two years of experience in food service, workforce development, customer service, recovery support services, social services, or a related field.
• Experience supervising employees, volunteers, or program participants.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals in early recovery. Experience in recovery support services a plus.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Food safety certification or the ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Experience with budgeting, employment services, workforce development, or case management preferred.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23