Job: Little Engine Eatery Internship
Job Description
Job Type: Seasonal, Hourly
Wage: $15.16/hr.
Location: Buena Vista, 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. Our summer job skills program operates the Little Engine Eatery, a gourmet hot dog and brat trailer, offering valuable work experience in a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment. 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 Little Engine Eatery during the summer season.
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 using a point-of-sale (POS) system and follow basic cash-handling procedures as assigned.
• Prepare made-to-order food using a kitchen display system (KDS) and follow recipes and portion guidelines.
• Learn safe food handling practices and safe grill operation (as assigned).
• Participate in daily setup and takedown of the food trailer.
• Keep the trailer clean, organized, and ready for service; assist with cleaning and restocking tasks.
• Collaborate with teammates to deliver excellent customer service and support one another during busy times.
• Practice workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and workplace etiquette.
• Participate in brief check-ins with mentors, share feedback, and ask for help when needed.
• Follow safety protocols, including procedures for minor incidents (e.g., cuts or burns) and emergency drills.
• Recognize emotions and triggers and work with mentors to use tools and strategies to recover and learn from challenges.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Willing to work a minimum of 45 hours over the 10½-week summer session.
• Willing to work at least two weekend days or holidays during the summer session.
• Able to participate safely in a small-group setting with a mentor-to-participant ratio of approximately 1:3, and maintain safe, appropriate behavior with occasional minimal supervision. If additional support is needed beyond the typical mentor-to-participant ratio, a 1:1 aide may be required. Achieve will assist with locating an aide when possible, but cannot guarantee availability.
• Committed to inclusion, respect, and working cooperatively with peers of diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• 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 and around an outdoor food trailer and may include exposure to heat, cold, wind, and other weather conditions. Participants should be able to:
• Tolerate working outside for extended periods in varying weather.
• Work around cooking equipment, food smells, and moderate noise levels.
• Stay engaged and participate in a dynamic, occasionally fast-paced setting with support from mentors.
• Enter and exit the food trailer (a single step is required). Basement storage involves uneven stairs; use of this area is not required for all roles.
• Perform light physical tasks if assigned, such as wiping tables, handing out food, or assisting with setup or cleanup. We welcome individuals with diverse learning and communication styles and will attempt reasonable accommodations for those using mobility devices. However, we cannot guarantee full accessibility in all areas of the trailer or surrounding setup. Achieve may assist with transportation to and from the site; however, wheelchair-accessible transit is not currently available through Achieve and should be arranged independently when possible.
BENEFITS (What You’ll Gain):
• Paid, hands-on work experience in a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Teamwork, communication, and small-group collaboration skills.
• Job training and mentoring focused on real-world workplace success.
• Problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.
• Opportunities to practice self-advocacy, self-care, and daily living skills.
• Free lunch during shifts.
SCHEDULE:
• Attend an orientation session (date/time TBD).
• Typical shifts are 10:00 a.m. to 2:30–3:00 p.m., including food prep, service, and clean-up.
• Scheduling is coordinated with each Achiever to align with availability to the extent possible.
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.