The Organization
SIRCH Community Services, established in 1989, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering thriving communities where everyone feels connected and supported. Our mission is to identify community needs and barriers, developing solutions through inspiration, innovation, and partnerships. Guided by our core values (listed below), we create meaningful change and impactful outcomes. Every position is important.
SIRCH is a certified Living Wage employer.
Why Join Us?
Do you have a passion for great food, community connection, and making people feel welcome? Join SIRCH Community Services as a Front of House team member at the SIRCH Bistro & Bakery and help create a warm, “Kindness First, Policy Second” space where guests feel seen, valued, and cared for. In this role, you’ll build skills in customer care, food service, and social enterprise while working with a supportive team and the Bistro Bakery Manager, and your everyday interactions will directly support SIRCH programs that foster community resilience and help level the playing field for those we serve.
Everything that SIRCH does is based on our Core Values:
The Ripple Effect
Imagine for a moment the image of a stone being gently dropped into a still pond, sending ripples outward in all directions. We recognize that every action we take has a profound impact. It gives us a deep sense of purpose and meaning in our work at SIRCH and fuels our motivation and drive. Knowing our actions have impact, we act with intentionality and authenticity to create meaningful change.
Can-do Attitude
We approach all situations with a proactive and optimistic mindset, confident in our ability to tackle challenges and turn difficulties into opportunities for growth. Our focus is on solutions, and we remain optimistic and persistent in our endeavors.
Creative, Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Our commitment to creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and calculated risk-taking enables us to develop innovative solutions to complex issues. We embrace new ideas, question established norms, and approach problems from different perspectives. By learning from both successes and failures, we maintain a forward-looking mindset that drives continuous improvement.
Levelling the Playing Field
Everyone matters, and we care deeply about the struggles individuals face. Whether an individual, a group, or a community, we strive to address and remove barriers, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all. Our goal is to help level the playing field for those in need, promoting inclusivity and support.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of unity. By fostering and honoring partnerships with clients, customers, businesses, organizations, funders, donors, volunteers, and more, we ensure mutual success and growth. Our "win-win" attitude reflects our commitment to seeing everyone thrive. Integrity is at the heart of our collaboration: we succeed through ethical means and uphold positivity in our conversations about others. In disagreements, we keep the door open for dialogue and respect the diverse opinions of all parties.
Loyalty
We are steadfastly committed to SIRCH’s mission, values, and the people we serve. We are reliable, dedicated, and trustworthy in all our interactions and endeavors. We build and maintain trust through honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. We show dedication to SIRCH’s goals and relationships, prioritizing the well-being and success of those we serve. We support the organization’s decisions, and help ensure the success of its programs, services, and social enterprises in everything we do.
Position Summary
The Front of House (FOH) plays a pivotal role within SIRCH Community Services, responsible for all front-of-house operations at the SIRCH Bistro & Bakery with a “Kindness First, Policy Second” approach. This role ensures warm, mission-centered guest service, smooth FOH shift coordination, and adherence to food safety and alcohol service standards, so that every interaction reflects SIRCH’s values and supports programs that foster community resilience and level the playing field for those we serve.
In their daily tasks, the FOH will embody and promote SIRCH’s core values in a way that keeps kindness, empathy, and respect at the center of every guest, donor, and team interaction.
This is a full-time permanent position, Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional flexibility required for special events, catering, or operational needs.
In their daily tasks, the Front of House will embody and promote SIRCH’s core values:
· The Ripple Effect: Leads with kindness and calm, knowing each positive interaction with guests and staff strengthens SIRCH’s reputation and community impact.
· Can-do Attitude: Responds to challenges with a warm, solutions-focused approach, balancing clear policies with empathy and respect.
· Creative Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Finds kind, practical alternatives when policies limit options, helping guests feel cared for while staying within guidelines.
· Levelling the Playing Field: Welcomes every person with dignity, using inclusive, non-judgmental service to reduce barriers and help everyone feel they belong.
· Collaboration: Models kind, clear communication between FOH, BOH, and leadership so the whole team can deliver consistent, mission-aligned service.
· Loyalty: Represents SIRCH with integrity, upholding policies in a compassionate way that builds trust with guests, donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
Vision & Mission Alignment:
The Front of House (FOH) position directly contributes to SIRCH’s mission of fostering community resilience and leveling the playing field by creating a warm, welcoming, and dignifying guest experience that reflects “Kindness First, Policy Second” in every interaction. This role ensures that front-of-house service, guest flow, and issue resolution are carried out efficiently and kindly, allowing frontline program staff and leadership to focus on delivering impactful services across the organization. By modelling mission-centered customer care, following FOH protocols, and maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and inclusivity, the FOH staff member plays a crucial role in supporting SIRCH’s mission on the floor every day.
Responsibilities
Here's a list of job responsibilities for a Front of House Lead:
Front of House – Responsibilities
- Provide warm, welcoming, and efficient guest service in the dining room, patio, and retail area.
- Model “Kindness First, Policy Second” in every interaction with guests, donors, vendors, volunteers, and staff, calmly addressing concerns and offering solutions while upholding SIRCH policies and procedures.
- Greet, seat, and serve guests; monitor tables and guest flow; and ensure timely, attentive, and inclusive service from arrival to departure.
- Follow direction from the Bistro Bakery Manager and communicate promptly about any operational, safety, or customer-service issues that need support or approval.
- Work collaboratively with other FOH staff (when applicable) to complete shift tasks, support teammates, and maintain consistent service standards.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Back of House staff, ensuring clear communication about orders, timing, dietary needs, and special requests.
- Help investigate and resolve service issues and customer complaints by listening, responding kindly, and seeking mutually acceptable resolutions that encourage guests to return.
- Conduct opening duties e.g., open the premises, turning on equipment, setting up baked goods and coffee stations, posting menus and pricing, preparing float and POS, rolling cutlery, sanitizing tables and chairs, and checking washrooms and supplies.
- Participate in closing duties e.g., locking or securing the space as directed, clearing and sanitizing tables and chairs, returning food to kitchen, resetting coffee for next day, restocking cups and condiments, sweeping and mopping floors, emptying and cleaning trash/recycling, and POS cash-out.
- Follow all health and safety expectations, including Public Health cleanliness standards, Food Safety protocols, and SIRCH workplace safety procedures.
- Follow the Front of House Cleaning Checklist.
- Maintain the appearance and ambiance of the dining room, patio, and retail displays so they consistently reflect SIRCH’s brand, values, and accessibility commitments.
- Operate the point of sale (POS) system, including processing payments, handling cash accurately, and reconciling end-of-day totals.
- Assist with stocking and merchandising of retail fridges, shelves, and displays, ensuring attractive, safe presentation and appropriate product rotation.
- Participate in and support marketing and promotional initiatives (e.g., menu features, in-house promotions, special events), offering ideas that align with SIRCH’s mission and community focus.
- Support catering and special events.
- Act as a SIRCH ambassador by sharing appropriate information about SIRCH’s mission, programs, and impact in guest conversations, and by contributing to a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
- Attend and participate in team meetings, trainings, and check-ins with the Bistro Bakery Manager, bringing forward observations, ideas, and concerns from the front-of-house.
SIRCH Ambassador
- Mission Representation: Share brief, friendly information about SIRCH’s mission, programs, and social enterprises in everyday guest conversations when appropriate.
- Community Engagement: Greet and thank guests, donors, vendors, and volunteers warmly, inviting them to feel part of and get involved with SIRCH’s work.
- Positive Promotion: Highlight how the SIRCH Bistro & Bakery provides inclusive space, good food, and support for programs that help level the playing field.
- Inclusive Environment: Use kind, non-judgmental language, accommodate diverse needs where possible, and apply “Kindness First, Policy Second” so everyone feels welcome.
- Relationship Building: Build rapport with regulars and new visitors by being friendly, appreciative, and able to connect them with information on programs, volunteering, or donations.
- Brand Advocacy: Provide warm, respectful service; keep the space clean and inviting; follow FOH protocols; and show professionalism and empathy at all times.
Being the Face of SIRCH
SIRCH team members help bring our mission to life, and we are proud to showcase the people behind our work. As part of working at SIRCH, staff may be photographed or filmed at any SIRCH location (including warehouses, the Bistro & Bakery, offices, programs, and community events) for use in our internal and external communications, such as social media, our website, printed materials, reports, and promotional videos. By applying for this position, candidates are excited to positively represent SIRCH and our community in these public-facing spaces. Final consent for the use of any photos or videos that identify an individual staff member will be confirmed during hiring and documented in the employment agreement or related consent form, in keeping with SIRCH’s privacy and confidentiality policies
Core Competencies
- Kind, mission-centered service: Demonstrates empathy and “Kindness First, Policy Second” so guests feel respected, even when policies must be explained or enforced.
- Guest focus and results: Stays attentive to guest needs, solves small problems quickly, and supports smooth, efficient service throughout each shift.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Works cooperatively with FOH coworkers, the Bistro Bakery Manager, and Back of House staff, sharing information and helping where needed.
- Communication and conflict handling: Speaks clearly and politely in person and by phone, listens well, and helps de-escalate concerns using calm, respectful language.
- Inclusivity and respect: Welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, uses non-judgmental language, and helps “level the playing field” so everyone feels they belong.
- Reliability and integrity: Arrives prepared, follows instructions and protocols, handles cash and information responsibly, and follows through on tasks.
- Organization and time management: Juggles serving, cleaning, stocking, and POS tasks, staying calm and effective during busy times.
- Attention to detail and safety: Follows FOH cleaning checklists and Food Safety expectations carefully, noticing and addressing issues early.
- Adaptability and problem-solving: Adjusts to changing guest volumes, priorities, or directions from the Bistro Bakery Manager, offering practical, value-aligned solutions.
Qualifications
- Experience in a front-of-house, café, bistro, or similar customer service role; experience handling POS payments is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to provide kind, patient, and inclusive customer service, ideally in a busy or high-volume environment.
- High school diploma (or equivalent) required; additional training or coursework in hospitality, food service, or a related field is an asset.
- Food Safety/ Safe Food Handlers certification (fees will be covered by SIRCH)
- Comfortable using a point of sale (POS) system, cash handling, and basic math for transactions and cash-outs.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform repetitive motions such as wiping, carrying, and stocking.
- Clear satisfactory background check, in keeping with SIRCH’s policies.
Work Expectations
Work expectations
- Consistently demonstrate “Kindness First, Policy Second” in all guest, donor, vendor, and colleague interactions.
- Arrive on time, prepared for each shift, and ready to work scheduled hours (including some evenings, weekends, and holidays as required).
- Follow FOH protocols, cleaning checklists, Food Safety requirements, and directions from the Bistro Bakery Manager.
- Communicate respectfully with coworkers and Back of House, sharing information that affects service, safety, or guest experience.
- Participate in required trainings, meetings, and check-ins, and be open to feedback and ongoing learning.
KPIs
· Guest experience: Positive guest feedback and minimal complaints about service tone, wait times, or cleanliness (as tracked through comment cards, email, or verbal feedback).
- Service quality and accuracy: High accuracy in taking and delivering orders, with minimal order errors or voids. Orders entered into POS promptly so kitchen can meet expected timing.
- Cleanliness and safety: FOH cleaning checklist completed each shift; dining room, patio, washrooms, and coffee/retail areas consistently meet SIRCH and Public Health standards.
- Teamwork and reliability: Reliable attendance and punctuality; willing to assist teammates and cover reasonable tasks to keep service flowing.
- Cash handling and POS: Accurate payment processing and cash handling, with minimal till discrepancies at cash-out.
Pay: $19.31-$23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
