Employment
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Lead Teacher | Small Blessings
Small Blessings Preschool | Tampa, FL
Small Blessings Preschool is seeking a warm, experienced Lead Teacher to join our three-year-old team for the upcoming school year. This role is ideal for an educator who values play-based learning, collaboration, and nurturing the whole child in a faith-based environment.
Qualifications:
• Associate’s Degree or higher (Early Childhood preferred)
• Minimum 1 year experience as a Lead Teacher
• CDA or higher degree in Early Childhood (or willingness to complete within 12 months)
• 45-hour child development training (or willingness to complete within 12 months)
• First Aid & Pediatric CPR (or willingness to complete within 1 month)
• Experience working with groups of young children
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Professional, dependable, and team-oriented
• Eligible through DCF’s Fingerprinting Clearinghouse Registry
• Practicing Christian or comfortable supporting and participating in a Christian early childhood environment
Key Responsibilities:
• Plan and lead developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum aligned with school philosophy
• Establish consistent routines and smooth transitions
• Collaborate closely with assistant teachers and support staff
• Maintain a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment
• Complete observations, assessments, and documentation as required
• Communicate professionally with parents and administration
• Attend staff meetings, conferences, and school events
• Model professionalism, kindness, and leadership within the classroom
Schedule:
• Monday–Friday
• Approximately 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Classroom supported by both a Lead and Assistant Teacher
Why You’ll Love Teaching at Small Blessings:
• Supportive administration that values teachers
• Collaborative classroom teams (you are never doing this alone)
• Strong routines, clear expectations, and organized classrooms
• A play-based, child-centered philosophy
• Faith-based environment grounded in kindness and connection
• A warm school culture where relationships matter
If you are passionate about early childhood education and enjoy leading a classroom with purpose, joy, and heart, we would love to hear from you!
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Chelsea at clandes@hydeparkumc.org
Assistant Teacher | Small Blessings
Small Blessings Preschool is seeking a warm, dependable Assistant Teacher to join one of our early childhood classrooms for the upcoming school year. This role is ideal for an educator who loves working with young children, enjoys being part of a collaborative team, and values play-based learning in a nurturing, faith-based environment.
Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent (Early Childhood coursework preferred)
• Experience working with young children in a group setting preferred
• CDA or willingness to begin coursework within 12 months
• 45-hour child development training (or willingness to complete within 12 months)
• First Aid & Pediatric CPR (or willingness to complete within 1 month)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Reliable, flexible, and team-oriented
• Eligible through DCF’s Fingerprinting Clearinghouse Registry
• Practicing Christian or comfortable supporting and participating in a Christian early childhood environment
Key Responsibilities:
• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences
• Assist with classroom routines, transitions, and daily care needs
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming classroom environment
• Engage with children warmly and attentively throughout the day
• Support supervision indoors and outdoors
• Communicate professionally with the Lead Teacher and administration
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and school events
• Model kindness, patience, and professionalism with children and colleagues
Schedule:
• Monday–Friday
• Approximately 8:00 AM–1:30 PM
• Works closely alongside a Lead Teacher in a team-based classroom
Why You’ll Love Teaching at Small Blessings:
• Supportive administration that values and respects teachers
• Strong classroom teams – you are never working alone
• Clear routines, expectations, and thoughtful structure
• A play-based, child-centered philosophy
• Faith-based environment rooted in care, connection, and community
• A warm school culture where relationships truly matter
If you are passionate about supporting young children and enjoy being part of a caring, collaborative classroom team, we would love to hear from you!
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Chelsea at clandes@hydeparkumc.org
Substitute Teacher | Small Blessings
Substitute Teacher Job Description
Qualifications:
- High school graduate; at least 18 years of age
- Must meet all licensing requirements
- Professional, dependable, and reliable
- Experience working with groups of young children preferred
- 45-hour child development training or willingness to complete within 12 months
- First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification or willingness to complete within 1 month (preferred)
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Respectful, patient, and loving demeanor toward young children, parents, and coworkers
- Eligible through DCF’s Fingerprinting Clearinghouse Registry
- Practicing Christian or comfortable supporting and participating in a Christian early childhood environment
Minimum Position Expectations:
- Make God’s Love Real in daily interactions
- Interact with children in a developmentally appropriate, nurturing manner
- Be sensitive to individual children’s needs and adapt to a variety of classroom environments
- Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to transition smoothly between classrooms and routines
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents and staff
- Work collaboratively with lead teachers, assistants, and administration to support classroom continuity
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- Adhere to all HPUMC and Small Blessings Preschool policies and procedures
- Follow lesson plans and daily classroom routines as directed by the lead teacher or administration
- Provide classroom management while ensuring the safety and well-being of all children
- Assist with daily classroom activities, including play, transitions, and maintaining a sanitary environment
- Step in as lead teacher when needed, following established plans and routines
- Use positive, appropriate guidance and discipline strategies
- Engage with children during classroom activities, playtime, and meals to support learning and social development
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
- Comply with all health and safety regulations, including accident reporting and emergency procedures
- Communicate effectively with the lead teacher and Director to ensure smooth classroom operations
- Provide feedback when appropriate regarding classroom flow and children’s needs
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Director
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Chelsea at clandes@hydeparkumc.org
Portico Program Coordinator (Part-Time, 15 hours/week)
SUMMARY
The Portico Program Coordinator helps cultivate a culture of invitation, hospitality, and justice through The Portico and The 1001 Gathering. This person supports the weekly worship gathering, empowers volunteer leaders, and helps connect people to small groups, service opportunities, and justice initiatives that reflect The Portico’s mission to make God’s love real in downtown Tampa.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. The 1001 Gathering (Worship & Community Meal)
- Coordinate and support the Sunday 1001 Gathering (worship service and community meal).
- Equip and support volunteer leaders for worship, hospitality, tech, communion, and meal teams.
- Work with Ministry Asst. to prepare weekly materials (slides, table questions, supplies, etc.).
- Collaborate with pastor and leadership team to improve and strengthen the 1001 experience.
- Be present on Sundays for setup, hospitality, and follow-up.
2. Volunteer & Team Support
- Maintain a simple volunteer management system to invite, train, and retain volunteers.
- Support leaders of the Justice, Art, and Small Group Teams.
- Coordinate monthly check-ins or team meetings as needed.
- Help connect new people to groups and serving opportunities.
3. Justice, Art, and Community Initiatives
- Serve as staff liaison for the Justice Team and related initiatives (e.g., HOPE, homelessness outreach).
- Support art initiatives and related events with the Arts Leader.
- Collaborate on special events and service projects that engage new participants and promote community impact.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Training/Experience:
- Complete an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or relevant work experience
- Have contacts and connections around homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and social justice in the Tampa Bay area preferred
- Experience facilitating event management, strong project management and communication skills
- Advanced skill in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of CRM/Contact Management systems, Canva, graphics, and social media applications helpful.
Abilities:
- A team player who is proactive, flexible, and results-oriented.
- Meticulous attention to detail, a deep concern for quality.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize work, excellent time management skills. Ability to work independently and under the pressure of deadlines.
- Ability to learn new tools quickly.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Highly organized.
Personal Characteristics
- A Christ-centered, Biblically-rooted, warm-hearted faith in Christ which expresses itself in loving, joyful, healthy relationships with others and personal freedom in sharing his/her personal experience of Christ.
- A clear passion to draw uncommitted persons into a living relationship with Jesus Christ
- Personal commitment to the spiritual heritage, doctrine, and Social Principles of the United Methodist Church.
- An excitement and commitment to the mission and vision of Hyde Park United Methodist Church.
- A visionary person with the freedom to explore the most effective means by which our mission can be fulfilled.
- A team-player who works well with other members of the church staff and who has proven effectiveness in working with volunteers.
- Evidence of Christian character evidenced by a life of prayer, spiritual discipline, and participation in the life of the church.
- A sense of humor and ability not to take him/herself too seriously.
- High energy level for the demands of a growing ministry.
Cafe Leader | The Portico Cafe (Full-Time, approx. 40 hours/week)
This Is More Than a Cafe Job
Portico exists to transform the city and the world. We are committed to impacting homelessness in our community and enhancing the social, artistic, and spiritual fabric of Tampa through conversation, connection, and community change.
Portico Cafe is a faith-driven social enterprise, Tampa’s easy meeting space, and a neighborhood cafe. We serve exceptional coffee, host meaningful gatherings, and equip men and women coming out of homelessness and addiction with dignity, vocational skills, and hope. Every cup served and every event hosted contribute to restoration and belonging.
We’re looking for a Cafe Leader who is energized by excellence and compassion, someone who can run a strong hospitality business while building people and community.
If you’ve ever wanted your work to matter deeply at the end of the day, this might be your calling.
The Role at a Glance
As Cafe Leader, you will set the tone, culture, and direction of Portico Cafe. You’ll oversee daily operations, lead a diverse team (staff and volunteers), grow revenue, and champion our mission of bridging people from addiction and instability into meaningful work and vocation.
You are both:
- A hospitality professional who loves well-run operations, great service, and excellent coffee
- A mission-minded leader who believes people are more important than processes—and that both matter
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Mission & Leadership
- Embody and advance the mission of Portico Cafe and Hyde Park United Methodist Church
- Create a culture of dignity, accountability, grace, and growth—especially for team members in recovery or transition
- Lead with empathy, clarity, and high expectations
- Develop people, not just schedules
Cafe & Business Operations
- Lead all front- and back-of-house operations with excellence
- Drive revenue growth while maintaining financial stewardship
- Manage scheduling, labor targets, inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
- Oversee POS, cash handling, opening/closing procedures, and loss prevention
- Use daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to guide decisions
Guest Experience & Service
- Set the standard for warm, efficient, memorable hospitality
- Ensure consistent, high-quality customer service across every shift
- Personally model problem-solving and service recovery
- Maintain a clean, welcoming, well-merchandised cafe environment
Training & Development
- Recruit, hire, train, and coach staff and volunteers
- Build structured training pathways for baristas and supervisors
- Invest deeply in individuals transitioning from addiction or homelessness
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance development
- Celebrate wins and address challenges with clarity and care
Coffee & Product Excellence
- Ensure all drinks and food meet high quality and consistency standards
- Train team members on coffee knowledge, preparation, and service
- Taste and inspect products regularly for quality assurance
- Oversee coffee offerings, vendors, and (if applicable) roasting relationships
Events & Community Use
- Manage event and space rentals hosted at The Portico
- Coordinate scheduling, staffing, invoicing, and client communication
- Ensure all documentation and payments are completed ahead of events
- Help position Portico Cafe as a premier gathering space for small groups and community events
Who You Are
You’re likely someone who:
- Has a deep heart for helping others, especially those on the margins
- Is energized by responsibility and ownership
- Can hold grace and accountability in tension
- Thrives in environments with purpose, people, and some ambiguity
- Leads with humility, joy, and a sense of humor
Experience & Skills
Required:
- Experience in food service, hospitality, or cafe operations
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop people
- Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
- Comfort managing schedules, budgets, and daily operations
- Alignment with the Christian mission and values of Hyde Park United Methodist Church
Preferred:
- Cafe or coffee bar management experience
- Knowledge of coffee culture, roasting, and vendors
- Nonprofit, ministry, or social enterprise experience
- Personal or close relational experience with recovery
Physical & Technical Requirements
- Ability to lift 25–65 lbs. (supplies, carts, inventory)
- Comfortable using POS systems and basic bookkeeping tools
- Able to assist clients with basic A/V and presentation technology
Why This Role Is Special
- Your leadership directly impacts lives moving toward restoration
- You’ll help shape a growing social enterprise with real community influence
- Competitive compensation with strong benefits
- Regular weekday hours are common, with evenings/weekends as needed
- You’ll work alongside people who genuinely care about excellence and about people
If you believe great coffee can change lives and you want to lead where faith, business, and restoration meet we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Mindi at mindi@theportico.org