Recovery Café Coordinator
Overview
The Recovery Café Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of Recovery Café programming across designated service areas. As a key member of the Network Connect team, the Coordinator supports the mission of fostering healing, connection, and stability for individuals in recovery. This position functions as the operational backbone of the Café, bridging communication between leadership, staff, volunteers, community partners, and Café members. The role blends administrative, interpersonal, and programmatic responsibilities that directly contribute to the success of Network Connect’s recovery-focused initiatives.
The Recovery Café Coordinator is responsible for overseeing daily Café operations, supporting Recovery Circle facilitators, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring that all program components run smoothly and in alignment with trauma‑informed, person‑centered principles. The Coordinator manages resources, maintains schedules, tracks program outcomes, and ensures that members experience a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment.
This position requires strong organizational skills, compassionate communication, and the ability to lead with empathy and clarity. The work is dynamic and people-centered, requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving. Whether coordinating peer support groups, hosting community meals, or organizing recovery-oriented events, the Recovery Café Coordinator ensures that members’ needs are met and that the Café remains a safe and nurturing space.
Network Connect Values
Community
We are our local communities — we embrace a grassroots approach to service, prioritizing support of local organizations, services, and leaders. Our leaders and staff are involved, engaged, and deeply connected to the communities we serve. We use our community knowledge to foster relationships and strengthen individual, neighborhood, and community ties through positive, meaningful connections.
Integrity
Network Connect implements innovative and responsible programming. We draw on community wisdom, research, evidence‑based practices, lived experiences, and continuous feedback to design and refine our programs and strategies. We collaborate with values‑driven leaders, mentors, and organizations, seeking creative ways to integrate effective community interventions that best support children, youth, adults, and families. We listen intently, remain flexible, adjust when needed, and practice patience in all aspects of our work.
Partnership
We believe in working with others to leverage collective strengths. Through partnership, we expand the capacity of our communities, services, and resources. We actively participate in coalitions and collaborations, working alongside others to pursue comprehensive solutions to complex systemic challenges.
Respect
Network Connect fosters an environment that balances purpose and belonging. We are people‑centered; together, we strive to strengthen individual, neighborhood, and community connections to build an ecosystem grounded in trust. We value our staff, contractors, and volunteers, ensuring livable wages for all employees — full‑time, part‑time, and contract — and honoring the dignity and contributions of every person involved in our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Community Space
- Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and healing-centered environment for all members of the Recovery Café.
- Ensure the Café reflects trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented principles at all times.
Member Support
- Provide direct support to members in their recovery journey.
- Ensure members have access to needed resources, referrals, and supportive services.
Recovery Circles
- Oversee the organization, scheduling, and facilitation of Recovery Circles.
- Ensure circles operate consistently, safely, and in alignment with Recovery Café Network standards.
Contribution
- Encourage members to contribute to the Café community in meaningful ways.
- Foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and shared ownership among members.
Food and Beverage
- Manage food and beverage offerings, ensuring they meet member needs and preferences.
- Coordinate meal service, donations, and kitchen operations.
Program Planning and Development
- Support the design and refinement of Recovery Café programming, including workshops, classes, and community-building activities.
- Collaborate with leadership and facilitators to define program goals and outcomes.
Strategic Planning and Staff Management
- Assist in the development, implementation, and management of Recovery Café programs.
- Participate in strategic planning and supervise staff, volunteers, and facilitators to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Program Implementation and Evaluation
- Oversee the creation and implementation of recovery-supportive programs such as educational workshops, skill-building sessions, peer support groups, and recreational activities.
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, data analysis, and continuous improvement strategies.
Community Collaboration
- Collaborate with community organizations, stakeholders, and partners to enhance program offerings and expand reach.
- Serve as a liaison to promote Network Connect’s mission and strengthen community integration.
Crisis Management
- Address and manage crises that arise within the Café or during programming.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all members, staff, and volunteers.
Administrative Support
- Manage correspondence, maintain records and databases, prepare documents, and schedule meetings.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with Network Connect colleagues to align Café activities with broader organizational goals.
- Support professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and consistent adherence to deadlines.
- Committed to fostering a healing-centered community space.
- Three years’ experience in community service or human services work, applying theories, principles, and practices that support individuals, families, or communities (e.g., housing, employment, health care, substance use recovery, child welfare, mental health services).
- Six months’ experience in community or human services program administration, including developing, implementing, and evaluating programs; establishing short- and long-term goals.
- Six months’ experience developing policies and procedures.
- Six months’ experience supervising staff, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating work.
- Knowledge of budget management and control, including monitoring expenditures, projecting needs, and maintaining compliance with financial policies.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications and willingness to learn systems used by Network Connect.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Core Competencies
Organizational Skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Capable of drafting cogent reports, emails, and presentations, and comfortable speaking with diverse audiences.
Problem-Solving
Resourceful in identifying challenges and generating solutions. Skilled in managing unexpected issues and adapting plans as needed.
Interpersonal Skills
Empathetic and diplomatic in interactions with stakeholders. Able to resolve conflicts, negotiate agreements, and foster collaboration.
Leadership
Motivates and guides team members, delegates tasks appropriately, and supports professional growth among colleagues.
Analytical Thinking
Capable of collecting data, interpreting results, and making evidence-based recommendations for program enhancements.
Initiative
Demonstrates proactive attitude in identifying areas for improvement, proposing new ideas, and taking on new challenges.
Time Management
Efficient in managing deadlines and coordinating schedules to ensure timely completion of program activities.
Interpersonal Competence
Able to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Technology Literacy
Comfortable using digital tools to facilitate program coordination, communication, and evaluation.
Success Metrics
The Recovery Café Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the Recovery Café Program initiatives and services. As the connecting thread between strategy and implementation, the Coordinator’s performance directly influences program effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes.
1. Program Delivery and Timeliness
Percentage of Recovery Circles, workshops, and program components completed on time and within scope.
2. Budget and Resource Management
Effective allocation and usage of staff, materials, food, and other resources; cost savings and management of budget; identification of opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
3. Stakeholder Satisfaction
Regular collection of feedback from members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors via surveys or interviews.
4. Communication and Reporting
Reporting accuracy: quality and timeliness of reports submitted to leadership and stakeholders.
5. Program Impact and Outcomes
Degree to which program objectives and intended outcomes are achieved, member engagement and participation levels.
6. Team Collaboration and Leadership
Staff and volunteer engagement; support for team learning and improvement; effectiveness in managing and resolving team challenges.
7. Continuous Improvement
Implementation of strategies to streamline workflows and enhance program delivery.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Recovery Café Coordinator will encounter a wide range of challenges inherent to operating a healing‑centered, community‑based recovery space. One of the most significant challenges is ensuring that Café programming remains aligned with Network Connect’s strategic intent while simultaneously managing the day‑to‑day details of Café operations. This dual responsibility can be demanding, as organizational priorities, community needs, and member dynamics may shift over time. Maintaining this delicate balance requires agility—being able to pivot when necessary while still providing staff, volunteers, and members with clear guidance, consistency, and a sense of purpose.
The Coordinator must also navigate the complexities of supporting individuals in recovery, responding to crises, and fostering a safe, welcoming environment for all members. This requires emotional resilience, strong boundaries, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under pressure.
On the other hand, the Recovery Café Coordinator has a unique opportunity to shape the future of Network Connect’s recovery‑oriented work by translating vision into meaningful, actionable programming. Their leadership helps drive innovation, strengthen community partnerships, improve operational efficiencies, and expand the Café’s impact. By aligning resources, relationships, and daily practices with Network Connect’s mission, the Coordinator becomes a catalyst for organizational growth and community transformation.
Professional Development
The Recovery Café Coordinator is encouraged to pursue ongoing training in areas such as trauma‑informed care, recovery coaching, nonprofit management, staff supervision and coaching, financial stewardship, and program evaluation. Membership in professional associations—particularly those focused on recovery support, peer services, or community‑based programming—can provide valuable networking opportunities, resources, and pathways to certification.
Regular participation in webinars, conferences, workshops, and peer learning events ensures that the Coordinator remains informed, effective, and aligned with best practices in the recovery field. Continued professional development strengthens the Coordinator’s ability to support members, lead staff and volunteers, and contribute to the long‑term success of the Recovery Café and Network Connect as a whole.
Working Environment
The Recovery Café Coordinator works in both office and community settings, with frequent time spent in the Café environment. Travel may be required for meetings, events, or outreach activities. Evening or weekend hours are required based on program needs.
Physical demands are generally minimal but may include lifting supplies, setting up event spaces, or assisting with Café operations. The role offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, community impact, and relationship-building.
Reporting Structure
Reports to the Program Manager for Adult Programs and collaborates closely with Recovery Circle facilitators, volunteers, and other Network Connect staff.
Conclusion
The Recovery Café Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Network Connect by supporting individuals on their recovery journeys and ensuring the smooth operation of Café programming. The position offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, community impact, and leadership within a healing-centered environment.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Dover, DE 19901 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
