Cafe Cook (M-F 6:00am to 2:30pm) at Progressive Directions, Inc – Clarksville, Tennessee

Café Cook

Common Ground Café
Hourly | Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday through Friday 6:00am to 2:30pm (can vary depending on needs of the cafe)

If you love food and teaching people, this is your lane. We’re looking for a Café Cook to keep our kitchen running smoothly while mentoring our Interns with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. You’ll cook, lead, coach, and help people build real-world job skills. It’s hands-on, meaningful work, and yes, it actually makes a difference.

What You’ll Do:

Kitchen & Café Operations

• Prepare, cook, and bake menu items following recipes and food safety standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, inspection-ready café and kitchen
• Operate POS, process transactions, and deliver great customer service
• Track inventory and submit weekly supply needs
• Assist with menu development, pricing, and catering orders
• Open and close the café and serve as a key holder
• Support health inspections and act as backup café manager when needed

Job Coaching & Intern Support

• Train and mentor Café Interns in food prep, hygiene, customer service, and teamwork
• Adapt coaching methods to individual learning needs
• Complete daily intern documentation and performance notes
• Assist with intern orientations, goal-setting, progress reviews, and conflict resolution
• Advocate for interns and support job placement efforts as requested

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least 1 year of restaurant, food service, required
• Job coaching experience preferred
• Ability to pass Food Safety, Job Coach training, and other DDA and PDI required trainings
• Clear criminal background check and drug test required
• Strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills
• A patient, supportive mindset and genuine respect for people with disabilities
• Ability to work in a small environment as part of a team of 2-3 people

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• On your feet 95-100% of the shift
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and cleaning

Work Environment

• Fast-paced café setting
• Moderate noise
• Heat from kitchen equipment
• Occasional slick surfaces (we clean a lot—because standards matter)

Certifications Required

• Valid driver’s license (TN, KY, or AL)
• Food Service certifications

Why This Job Is Different

This isn’t just a cooking job, and it’s definitely not just a coaching role. You’re helping people with disabilities gain confidence, skills, and independence while keeping a community café thriving. It’s meaningful work with real impact.

Apply today and be part of something that actually matters.