Barista - Café All Rounder

About Upmo

Upmo has been championing inclusion, creativity and independence for autistic and learning-disabled adults across Edinburgh and the Lothians since 2006. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and live a fulfilling life. Through a diverse range of creative, educational and community-based opportunities, we support our students to develop life skills, build confidence and realise their potential.

About The Role

Upmo is recruiting a full-time Barista to work within our Upmo Eat cafés!

• Pay: £12.60 per hour, increasing to £13.45 per hour from May 2026
• Hours: Primarily between 09:00 - 17:00
• Location: Upmo Eat is currently based within Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Ainslie Park and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure. Additionally at our own premises at St. Margret's House at Meadowbank in Edinburgh.

In this role, you will provide excellent customer service and refreshments to our café patrons while also maintaining a clean and tidy environment for them to enjoy.

Upmo Eat is currently based within Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Ainslie Park and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure. Additionally at our own premises at St Maragrets House in Edinburgh.

Upmo Eat is one of our employability initiatives, through which we provide our students with work experience in the catering and hospitality sector. The cafes also provide an important income stream for our charity and provide affordable, healthy food options to the communities we serve.

Duties

• Provide a positive customer experience for guests at our cafes
• Prepare food items and beverages from our Upmo Eat menu as well as updating and reviewing the menu.
• Keep the café space clean and tidy
• Collaborate with Edinburgh Leisure staff to ensure health & safety procedures are followed on site
• Work closely with Project Workers and Students while they are at the café to ensure a positive student experience
• Open and close the café daily, including cashing-up and preparing end of day reports.
• Liaise with Suppliers to complete orders for consumables and stock.

Essential Skills

• Experience of working in a café or restaurant environment in a similar role
• Knowledge of coffee and food preparation
• Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards and practices
• Strong customer service focus
• Experience of cooking and preparing a range of dishes
• An ability to relate professionally and respectfully to people with learning disabilities
• An ability to work flexibly and autonomously as well as productively as part of a team based across Edinburgh
• Effective verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Training and/or qualifications in food standard regulations and to hold or obtain Food Safety Certificates
• An interest in progressing toward a Project Worker role, providing support and training to students whilst at the café
• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and autism
• Current and clean UK driving license

Additional Info

This role is subject to the following conditions:

• Membership of the PVG scheme through Disclosure Scotland for Protected Adults
• Receipt of 2 satisfactory references
• 6-month probation period

Upmo aims to ensure that no candidate is subject to unlawful discrimination, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of gender, race (including colour, nationality or ethnic origin), disability, sexual orientation, marital status, part time status, age, religion or belief.

Upmo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of autistic and learning-disabled adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to help maintain a safe and secure environment for all service users.

Benefits

• A rewarding role with a values-led organisation making a real difference
• Supportive, inclusive culture and a passionate, supportive leadership team
• 5% employer contribution to pension scheme with NOWPensions
• 30 days holiday per year, including Christmas break
• Long service leave of 1 extra day per year from 3 years’ service, up to 1 week (pro rata)
• Annual employment anniversary award
• Employee Assistance Programme – inclusive of shopping discounts
• Edinburgh Leisure CAP gym membership
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Enhanced maternity / paternity leave

To Apply

To apply, please complete an application form, which you can find here: Application Form - Barista - Café All Rounder – Fill in form