Food Service Worker Leader

Veterans Health Administration • Hines, IL

31d • Onsite

About The Position

Leads and directs Wage Grade personnel working in the food service and food production units. In this capacity, the employee encourages and coordinates employees to fully utilize their time and to complete their assigned tasks in a satisfactory manner. The incumbent uses judgment in recognizing work objectives and in planning and organizing duties to accomplish those objectives. Have a thorough understanding of the types of food served, all diets including modified diets, and combinations of these diets.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position.
• Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume.
• Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
• Dexterity and Safety
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Lead or Supervise
• Materials Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Work Practices
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
• You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
• Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Nice To Haves

• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
• Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
• HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
• The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
• To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job.
• VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service.
• This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
• Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for training Food Service employees in the Food Service and Production Section.
• Trains in continuing and new education in food safety, service techniques, customer service, and Nutrition and Food Service policy.
• Trains lower grade employees and provides on-the-job training of new Food Service and Production employees as requested by the immediate supervisor.
• Trains lower grade employees in safe food handling practices, utilizing programs training programs approved by the FDA Food Code, i.e. ServSafe.
• Utilizes various training media to deliver necessary training.
• Checks work while in progress and when finished to see whether the instructions on work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines have been met by lower-grade employees.
• Encourages and coordinates employees to fully utilize their time and to fulfill their assigned tasks in an efficient and satisfactory manner.
• Makes necessary adjustments when there are unforeseen circumstances that may change the staff needs and methods of the operational needs of the service.
• Maintains a wide knowledge of food service operations, is capable of performing all lower graded tasks.
• Ensures a safe clean area to work and a working climate where employees function efficiently and effectively.
• Assures proper food handling techniques are used and good personal hygiene is used according to established policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Food Service Supervisors.
• Leads food production and delivery activities in the absence of a Supervisor or Food Production Manager.
• Participates and works with the section's supervisors in obtaining needed information and in decision-making to resolve problems that arise within the service and/or have a significant impact with established policies and procedures.
• Identifies existing or potential safety hazards and promptly notifies the immediate supervisor.
• Takes appropriate action by following established policies and procedures and reports to the immediate supervisor if an employee injury occurs on the job.
• Ensures that all equipment and/or tools are operated in a safe manner.
• Participates in various quality improvement projects such as test tray evaluations, safety and sanitation inspections and/or other projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Learn more about federal benefits.
• Review our benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed