Coffee Shop Helper Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the importance of coffee shop helpers has never been more prominent.

As the hospitality industry evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can facilitate, enhance, and maintain our café culture grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a coffee shop helper?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the key aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes workings of a coffee shop,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable Coffee Shop Helper job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Coffee Shop Helper Duties and Responsibilities

Coffee Shop Helpers are essential to the day-to-day operations of a coffee shop, performing a range of tasks from assisting baristas to ensuring cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist baristas with preparing beverages as per customer requests
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the coffee shop including tables, counters and coffee machines
• Handle cash register and process customer payments
• Restock supplies such as coffee beans, milk, and disposable items like cups and napkins
• Provide excellent customer service and resolve customer complaints if any
• Greet customers, take orders and serve food and beverages
• Follow health and safety regulations to ensure food safety
• Assist in inventory management and placing orders when supplies run low
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions

 

Coffee Shop Helper Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Coffee Shop Helper to join our team.

The candidate’s responsibilities will include assisting baristas in preparing coffee and tea beverages, maintaining a clean and well-stocked workspace and customer area, and providing exceptional customer service.

Our ideal candidate is a self-starter, has excellent communication skills, and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.

In-depth training will be provided, but an appreciation for coffee and tea is a plus.

Ultimately, a top-notch Coffee Shop Helper should be able to ensure smooth shop operations and meet all customer needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist baristas with preparing coffee and tea beverages
• Maintain a clean and tidy work and customer area
• Keep all coffee and food stations well-stocked
• Handle transactions and provide excellent customer service
• Help with opening and closing procedures
• Follow all food and safety regulations
• Assist in inventory and ordering of supplies

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a customer service role is a plus
• Basic math skills for handling cash transactions
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Willingness to learn and improve
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Discounts on food and beverages
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunities for advancement
• Positive and friendly work environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coffee Shop Helper
• Work Environment: Indoor coffee shop setting. Must be able to work on feet for long periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Coffee Shop Manager or Assistant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $9.50 minimum to $13.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief letter of interest outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Coffee Shop Helper Do?

A Coffee Shop Helper plays a crucial role in the operations of a café or coffee shop.

They typically work under the supervision of a manager or barista.

Their primary responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of coffee and other beverages.

They help in grinding the coffee beans, frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and maintaining the cleanliness of the coffee machines.

A Coffee Shop Helper also helps in the kitchen, preparing sandwiches, pastries, and other foods available at the café.

They ensure that the display case is fully stocked and all items are fresh.

They serve customers by taking orders, handling cash transactions, and delivering orders promptly and accurately.

They also ensure that the tables, chairs, and overall shop area are clean and comfortable for customers.

In addition, they may help in restocking supplies, such as cups, napkins, and straws, and manage the inventory to ensure all necessary items are available.

A Coffee Shop Helper often interacts with customers, providing excellent customer service, answering queries about the menu, and making recommendations when asked.

Their role is essential in maintaining the smooth operations of the café and ensuring a pleasant experience for customers.

 

Coffee Shop Helper Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Coffee Shop Helper should have the qualifications and skills that coincide with your job description, including:

• Efficient multitasking skills to handle various tasks simultaneously such as taking orders, serving customers, and maintaining the cleanliness of the coffee shop.
• Good knowledge of different types of coffee, brewing methods, and understanding of various coffee machines and tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with customers, build rapport, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours, move around quickly and carry trays of food or beverages.
• Excellent communication skills to understand customer orders accurately and to communicate effectively with other team members.
• Customer service skills to provide exceptional service, handle customer complaints professionally, and ensure repeat business.
• Basic mathematical skills to accurately handle cash transactions and give correct change to customers.
• Attention to detail to adhere to health and safety regulations, maintain coffee shop aesthetics, and ensure the correct preparation of orders.

 

Coffee Shop Helper Experience Requirements

A Coffee Shop Helper often starts with no experience, learning the ropes on-the-job.

However, experience in customer service, food service, or in another fast-paced environment may be beneficial.

Some employees may gain experience in a similar role in a different setting, such as a fast-food restaurant or bakery, before applying for a job as a Coffee Shop Helper.

Those with 1 to 2 years of experience may have developed their skills in taking orders, preparing simple coffee drinks, managing the cash register, and maintaining cleanliness in the store.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their barista skills, learned how to handle complex coffee machines, and may be ready to take on more responsibilities such as opening or closing the store, inventory management, or training new hires.

Those with 5 or more years of experience may have leadership experience and might be prepared to step into an assistant manager or manager role in the coffee shop.

They may also have acquired advanced skills like creating complex coffee art or handling specialty coffee beans.

 

Coffee Shop Helper Education and Training Requirements

Coffee Shop Helpers generally require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

There are no specific educational programs for this role, but courses or training in hospitality, food service, or customer service can be beneficial.

Work experience in a similar role, such as in restaurants or other food service environments, is often desired.

This provides practical experience in handling food and beverages, using equipment, and providing customer service.

Being a Coffee Shop Helper often involves on-the-job training, where helpers learn about the specific policies, procedures and equipment of the coffee shop they are working in.

Certification in food handling or safety can be an advantage, as it assures employers that the helper is knowledgeable about hygiene standards and practices.

Although not required, further training or education in barista skills, customer service, or management can provide opportunities for advancement within the coffee shop or the wider hospitality industry.

 

Coffee Shop Helper Salary Expectations

A Coffee Shop Helper can expect to earn an average wage of $10.47 (USD) per hour.

However, actual earnings may depend on factors such as the specific location of the coffee shop, experience of the helper, and the policies of the employing company.

 

Coffee Shop Helper Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Coffee Shop Helper need?

A Coffee Shop Helper should have excellent customer service and communication skills, as they are typically the first point of contact for customers.

They should also have good attention to detail to ensure orders are prepared correctly and efficiently.

Basic math skills are useful for handling cash transactions, while physical stamina is needed for standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.

 

Do Coffee Shop Helpers need any specific qualifications or training?

While no formal education is required for a Coffee Shop Helper role, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually preferred.

Training is typically provided on the job, but any prior experience in the hospitality or food service industry can be beneficial.

Knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations is a plus.

 

What should you look for in a Coffee Shop Helper resume?

On a Coffee Shop Helper’s resume, look for previous experience in customer service or food and beverage services.

It is also helpful if the applicant has cash handling experience.

Skills such as multi-tasking, communication, and reliability are also important for this role.

Certifications in food safety training can also be a significant advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Coffee Shop Helper?

A good Coffee Shop Helper is patient, friendly and has excellent customer service skills, as they deal directly with customers.

They should be able to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently, especially during peak hours.

A good Coffee Shop Helper is also reliable, punctual, and can work well in a team.

 

Are Coffee Shop Helpers expected to know how to make all the drinks on the menu?

While the primary role of a Coffee Shop Helper is to assist the Barista and ensure a smooth-running operation, they may be called upon to prepare simple drinks.

However, they are not typically required to have the same level of knowledge or skill as a fully trained barista.

Training in basic drink preparation may be provided on the job.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve brewed up the real essence of being a Coffee Shop Helper.

Guess what?

It’s not just about pouring coffee.

It’s about brewing the perfect experience, one cup at a time.

With our handy Coffee Shop Helper job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this dynamic role.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for creating spot-on job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is a part of a larger experience.

Let’s brew that experience. Together.

How to Become a Coffee Shop Helper (Complete Guide)

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