Job: Coffee Shop Internship
Job Description
Job Type: Part time, Hourly
Wage: $15.16/hr.
Location: Salida, CO.
Job Description:
ABOUT ACHIEVE, INC.: Achieve, Inc. is a local nonprofit providing innovative opportunities for individuals with neurodivergent and mental health challenges in rural Colorado to cultivate meaningful job and life skills. Brew & Bloom is a year-round social enterprise coffee shop that provides paid, hands-on job-skills training for program participants (“Achievers”). More information is available at www.achievelifeskills.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Achievers are paid trainees who learn job skills and life skills through hands-on work in a real customer service setting. With support from trained mentors, Achievers practice workplace routines, communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy while helping operate the Brew & Bloom coffee shop.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: This program is designed for individuals who identify as having variations in brain functioning, including autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, bi-polar, OCD, Downs Syndrome and others and who are ready to explore the world of work in a welcoming and supportive setting. Achievers should be willing to learn, try new tasks, and work respectfully as part of a small team.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the guidance of trained mentors, Achievers will:
• Greet and interact with customers in a friendly, professional manner while building communication skills.
• Take customer orders and support customer questions using a point-of-sale (POS) system (as assigned).
• Learn to prepare and serve beverages and menu items according to shop standards (as assigned).
• Follow written instructions, labels, and the kitchen display system (KDS) or other task tools used for orders.
• Practice safe food handling and sanitation routines, including handwashing and safe use of cleaning supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness of workstations, equipment, and customer areas; assist with dishwashing, sweeping, wiping surfaces, and trash removal.
• Help restock supplies (e.g., cups, lids, syrups, coffee, pastries) and report low stock to staff.
• Collaborate with teammates to support smooth workflow and excellent customer service.
• Practice workplace skills such as time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-advocacy (including asking for help or requesting a break when needed).
• Participate in brief check-ins with mentors, share feedback, and use tools and strategies to recover and learn from challenges (e.g., anxiety, sensory overload, unexpected changes).
SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND GROWTH:
• Achievers receive hands-on training from mentors and staff.
• Achieve uses structured routines, visual supports, and clear expectations, and may provide tools such as checklists, visual cues, or quieter work areas when available and appropriate.
• As skills grow, Achievers may have opportunities to take on more advanced tasks and/or explore community job placements with Achieve support.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Willingness to learn and practice both job skills and interpersonal skills in a customer-facing environment.
• Ability to follow instructions (including visual aids) and communicate questions or needs to mentors and staff.
• Reliability: ability to arrive on time and communicate promptly (by text or phone) if running late or unable to attend.
• Comfort working as part of a small team with structured support and maintaining safe, appropriate behavior with occasional minimal supervision.
• Ability to meet age and eligibility requirements for assigned tasks/equipment and applicable labor laws.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: This program takes place in an operating coffee shop. Achievers should be able to:
• Stand and walk for extended periods with breaks as needed.
• Work around coffee shop equipment, food smells, and moderate noise levels.
• Lift and carry light to moderate items (up to approximately 20 pounds) if assigned.
• Stay engaged in a dynamic environment and interact with customers and team members with support from mentors. We welcome individuals with diverse learning and communication styles and will attempt reasonable accommodations.
BENEFITS (What You’ll Gain):
• Paid, hands-on work experience in a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Barista and customer service skills that can transfer to future employment.
• Teamwork, communication, and small-group collaboration skills.
• Opportunities to practice self-advocacy, self-care, and daily living skills.
SCHEDULE:
• Attend an orientation session and initial training (date/time TBD).
• Shifts are scheduled based on participant availability and program needs. Shift start times may be as early as 6:00 a.m., and shifts may run as late as 5:30 p.m.; some weekend or holiday shifts may be requested.
• Please note: there is limited availability for mid-morning and late-afternoon shifts.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should apply by completing an application (available on Achieve’s website). Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until trainee slots are filled.
***** Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Achieve, Inc. reserves the right to modify this job description as necessary.
**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.