River Garden is a unique therapeutic environment covering 47 acres of gardens and woodlands offering up to 24 places for people to physically and psychologically recover, building their strength, confidence and skills for their next steps forward.

  We are recruiting for a Front of House Assistant based in The Bothy Café, located within the beautiful grounds of River Garden Auchincruive (RGA). 

Role Overview:

The Front of House Assistant is responsible for providing high-quality service and ensuring a positive, welcoming experience for all customers. This role actively upholds the values of River Garden, creating a supportive atmosphere for both colleagues, residents, volunteers and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Care: Greet customers warmly, take food and beverage orders accurately, and handle enquiries professionally to ensure an overall great customer experience.
• Service Delivery: Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks, deliver food, and manage the till/transaction process accurately.
• Operations & Environment: Maintain cleanliness and organisation in all front-of-house areas, including the dining space, service counter, and restrooms, adhering to all hygiene standards.
• Values & Teamwork: Work collaboratively with all staff, demonstrating respect, empathy, and commitment to the charity’s mission of supporting people in recovery.

The role requires standing for extended periods, frequent lifting of trays, and working in a
fast-paced environment, particularly during peak service hours. 

Customer Service
Greet all visitors with warmth; clearly and accurately take food and drink orders; respond to customer enquiries and feedback politely; manage customer flow and seating
arrangements.

Service & Operations
Prepare and serve beverages (including basic barista skills); deliver food promptly to
tables; operate the point-of-sale (POS) system and handle cash/card payments accurately.

Cleanliness & Hygiene
Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the cafe, including tables, service areas,
restrooms, and floors; adhere strictly to all food safety and hygiene regulations.

Teamwork & Values
Work cooperatively with all team members, including staff and those in recovery; embody
the values of patience, respect, and non-judgement in all interactions.

Personal & Professional Attributes

Skills
Proven ability to handle cash and accurately operate a till system. Basic food preparation
and coffee-making skills are desirable, but a willingness to learn is essential.

Experience
Previous experience in a customer-facing role (e.g., retail, hospitality, or care).
We welcome applications from people with lived experience.

Personal Attributes
Excellent interpersonal skills with a genuinely friendly and outgoing personality. Must be
reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a small team.

Values Alignment
A clear understanding of and commitment to the values of River Garden, including
empathy, community support, and creating a positive, safe experience for every visitor

Security & Safety

Ensure your area of work is safe for residents, workers, volunteers and the general public
and participate in regular health and safety as per requirements.

Make sure that all staff are vigilant in maintaining the resident’s confidentiality and that is
reflected in the safe storage of all confidential information pertaining to all staff and
residents whether digitally or on paper.

Public Engagement & Advocacy

Maintain and develop strong, mutually helpful relationships with the local community and organisations as well as further afield.

Take opportunities to impart your knowledge, skills and experience with residents and
volunteers who are learning and working in the Bothy

Support the volunteer’s work.

Other Duties:

Carry out other duties, commensurate with role as may be required from time to time. 

Normal operating hours of the cafe are 9 to 5 over seven days. There are occasions when
earlier opening or evening events are required.

Development:

Undertake training and development commensurate with your role and your personal
development

Opportunity for role development will be identified and offered, including specialist training, some of which may be mandatory.

Maintain an interest in addiction/recovery and up-to-date knowledge and development in
recovery