Advertised from 16 July 2026

Role

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 relief Barista to work within our Upmo Eat cafés! 

• Pay: £13.45 per hour
• Hours: Varied through the week to cover gaps in the team, between 08:30/09:00 - 17:00/17:30
• Open/Close/Peak/Full day shifts will be offered
• Location: Upmo Eat is currently based within the following Edinburgh Leisure centres:
  • Drumbrae Leisure Centre
  • Ainslie Park
  • Additionally, we operate an internal facing café at our own premises within St. Margret's House at Meadowbank

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 allows us to offer our students experience of public facing responsibilities within the catering and hospitality sector, and provide 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

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 NOW: Pensions
• Rolled-up holiday pay, paid quarterly at a rate of 12.7% of pay for the period
• Annual employment anniversary award
• Employee Assistance Programme – inclusive of shopping discounts
• Edinburgh Leisure CAP gym membership
• Access to Blue Light Card

Application notes

To apply, please complete our online application form

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