​Who we are

 

Wave Café is a charity whose aim is to reduce inequalities and radically change attitudes to learning disability and difference in our local community. While we recognise there is lots of provision for people with learning disabilities in our society, places where people of all abilities mix with each other as equals, not as ‘helpers’ and ‘service users’, are few and far between. By creating a community space where We are All Valued Equally, Wave Café showcases an alternative brand of community – one where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities spend time together - socialising, working, creating, and enjoying each other’s company and qualities.

 

We currently operate an inclusive community café space in Muswell Hill, North London, 9am-5pm on Thursdays. We open our doors to those with and without learning disability in our community, offering a relaxed and friendly space to work or socialise, with inclusive art and yoga and great food  (at an inclusive price point).

 

We are looking to move to opening two days each week as soon as we can.

 

 

What it’s like working for us

 

Wave Café is a small and intimate charity with a warm, friendly and non-judgemental ethos. You will get to know the members of our vibrant and diverse community quickly – it is a bit like a very large family! It is vital that our staff can maintain the balance between the informal, inclusive atmosphere with the necessity to maintain high standards in the running of the café.

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Equally, as an organisation developing in size and capacity, there will often be times when you will need to be self-directed in your work – taking initiative and thinking on your feet.

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You will be expected to ‘get stuck in’ at all levels of the organisation, happy to do the organisational and managerial aspects of the role as well as the more everyday tasks. Wave Café also places huge value on the relational and interpersonal aspects of the role – it will be important that you can work alongside and get along with all different types of people.

 

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Who we’re looking for

 

For this role, we are looking for someone with experience of working in a small business, charity or start-up environment. Alternatively, someone with a background in education or support work with adults, children or learning disability.

 

We want someone dynamic and creative, who can bring a fresh and exciting pair of eyes to this small social enterprise as it seeks to take the next steps in its growth. Good inter-personal skills are essential, as there will be lots of relationship building and community work involved with the post. We also require someone with the capacity to line-manage a varied team, and proven experience of planning and delivering projects.

 

You should have an interest in food and the creative arts, and a keen imagination, able to devise and plan engaging activities and events at the café. Some experience of working with websites, data management and social media would be desirable.

 

You may have previous experience working within an inclusive environment, or with people with learning disability, but it is not essential. Above all, you will be willing to work with difference, and open to learning from this experience. We recognise that changing one’s own attitudes to disability and difference can take time and hard work – we’re all on the journey!

 

Please refer to job description for more details.

 

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How to apply

 

Please send a CV to info@wavecafe.org before Friday 28th May. You should include a brief personal statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why you are attracted to working in an inclusive environment and why you feel you will be suited to work within Wave Cafe.

 

Shortlisting will take place in the week beginning Monday 31st May. Interviews will take place over Zoom, and these are planned for the week beginning Monday 14th June.

 

Wave Café is committed to an equal opportunities policy for employment. If you feel you require support with any aspect of the application process, for whatever reason, the please let us know.

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