Roadside Cafe Work Team Member

Roadside Store & Cafe Work Team Leader

Gould Farm | Monterey, Massachusetts | 20–22 per hour, depending on experience

Great Food. Meaningful Work. Stronger Community.

For over 50 years, Roadside Store & Cafe has been a beloved Berkshires institution, serving breakfast and lunch while celebrating the bounty of our local community. We proudly feature products from Gould Farm’s dairy and beef herds, gardens, greenhouses, bakery, and maple sugarbushes.

But Roadside is more than a café. It is an important part of Gould Farm’s therapeutic work program, where meaningful work, supportive relationships, and community living help adults facing mental health challenges move toward recovery and greater independence.

We are looking for a Work Team Leader who loves good food, enjoys working with people, and wants to make a meaningful contribution to a mission-driven community.

About the Position

The Roadside Store & Cafe Work Team Leader supports the daily operation of our busy café and market while helping create a welcoming, empowering environment for our guests, staff, volunteers, and customers.

Working closely with the Roadside Manager and a multidisciplinary team, you will balance hands-on food service and hospitality with coaching and supporting guests as they develop skills, build confidence, and participate in meaningful work.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys the energy of a restaurant but is equally motivated by teamwork, human connection, and work that makes a difference.

What You'll Do

Café & Restaurant Operations

• Help manage daily front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and café menu items with attention to quality and consistency.
• Make great coffee and provide friendly, attentive barista service.
• Maintain inventory, stock shelves, and keep ingredients and supplies organized.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and welcoming café and market.

Guest Support & Work Program

• Help create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering work environment.
• Teach, coach, and encourage guests through appropriate, meaningful work assignments.
• Recognize individual strengths, celebrate accomplishments, and help guests build confidence and skills.
• Collaborate with colleagues and guests to ensure everyone's talents, perspectives, and voices are valued.
• Participate in team feedback and communication about guest progress as part of Gould Farm’s broader therapeutic community.
• Provide support to other food service work teams when needed, particularly during seasonal changes in Roadside's business.

Teamwork & Professional Development

• Meet regularly with the Roadside Manager for supervision and professional growth.
• Participate in staff meetings, community meetings, and ongoing training.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve the café, work program, and customer experience.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities after six months of service.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of hospitality, reliability, flexibility, and genuine care for others.

Qualifications include:

• Ideally, 1–2 years of food service or restaurant experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Grill or short-order cooking experience is a plus.
• Barista experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
• The ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
• A collaborative approach and openness to feedback and continuous improvement.
• An interest in supporting people through meaningful work, encouragement, and community.

Experience in a therapeutic, educational, or supportive work environment is welcome, but a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in our mission are essential.

• Support excellent customer service and a positive experience for every visitor.
• Compensation & Benefits

Hourly pay: 20–22, depending on experience.

Gould Farm offers a generous benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental insurance: Employer pays 85% of premiums and up to 100% of the deductible.
• Generous paid time off: Five weeks of vacation and holidays during the first two years, increasing to six weeks thereafter.
• Paid sick time: Generous sick-time accrual.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Affordable on-campus housing: Including utilities.
• Food benefits: Prepared meals three times a day, plus access to basic pantry items and farm-made products.

About Gould Farm

Founded in 1913, Gould Farm is the nation's first residential therapeutic community dedicated to helping adults with mental health and related challenges move toward recovery and independence through community living, meaningful work, and clinical care.

Our community brings together guests, staff, and their families in a supportive environment where people can reconnect with their strengths, develop new skills, and imagine new possibilities for their lives.

At Roadside, that mission comes to life every day through good food, shared work, and genuine connection with the wider Berkshires community.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Gould Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment, advancement opportunities, and benefits without regard to protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law. We welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who can contribute to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you love hospitality, enjoy working collaboratively, and want your work to have a purpose beyond the plate, we would love to hear from you.

Come be part of a team where great food, meaningful work, and community come together.

Interested candidates should submit a Resume and Cover Letter to

Human Resources at hr@gouldfarm.org.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22