What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Barista Monday - Thursday position at Social House Cafe, LLC?
Experienced Barista / Lead Opener – Social House Café
Social House Café is currently hiring an experienced Barista / Lead Opener to join our Williamsburg café team.
This position is for a strong, dependable barista who can confidently open the café, help set up the morning shift, prepare high-quality espresso drinks, assist with food prep, and support a smooth start to daily service. The “lead” responsibility refers to being the trusted opening barista and helping guide the opening flow, while working alongside the team.
Schedule & Compensation
- 35–40 hours per week
- Monday through Thursday
- Opening shift
- $18/hour plus tips
- Potential to earn up to approximately $25/hour with tips
Mandatory Requirements
- Current Food Protection Certificate issued by the NYC Department of Health
- Minimum 2 years of barista experience
- Strong latte art skills, including consistent rosettes, tulips, and hearts during regular service
- Experience with food preparation, plating, and presentation
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced café environment
Qualifications
- Confident working with manual espresso machines
- Able to dial in espresso and adjust the grind as needed
- Strong knowledge of coffee preparation, milk steaming, milk texturing, and drink consistency
- Café food prep experience
- Opening, closing, or key holder experience
- Dependable, punctual, organized, and team-focused
- Strong attention to cleanliness, quality, and consistency
Customer Service & Guest Experience
The ideal candidate is warm, professional, and attentive, with strong customer service skills and the ability to create a positive guest experience. Must be able to communicate clearly, make customers feel welcome, and stay calm, efficient, and organized during busy periods.
Food Preparation & Presentation
Social House Café serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, pastries, and other menu items in addition to coffee. Baristas are expected to assist with food preparation, plating, and presentation while maintaining cleanliness, food safety, and consistent quality during high-volume service.
Responsibilities
- Open the café and follow opening procedures
- Help set up and organize the café for morning service
- Prepare espresso drinks with consistent quality and latte art
- Dial in espresso and adjust grind as needed
- Prepare and plate light café food, including sandwiches, pastries, salads, and other menu items
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
- Operate the POS system
- Restock inventory and support daily café operations
- Provide friendly, professional customer service
- Help maintain a smooth, efficient opening shift
Physical Requirements
- Standing for extended periods
- Lifting up to 50 lbs
- Bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and moving throughout the café
About Us
Social House Café is a Williamsburg neighborhood café centered on quality, consistency, and thoughtful attention to detail. We appreciate baristas who care about their craft and are committed to delivering a high standard in every drink and food item they prepare.
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Barista: 2 years (Required)
- Latte Art and Food Prep: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $25