Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, ME

31d • Onsite

About The Position

This Food Service Worker position is located within the Nutrition & Food Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System within VISN 1. This position is Full-time at 40 hours per week at the Togus, ME location. The incumbent independently performs duties that require proficiency in special procedures and broad knowledge of service operations, such as food and beverage preparation, modified diets, computer proficiency, dishwashing, dry and refrigerated storage, and safety and sanitation.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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)
• Materials Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and breaks down assigned station with the correct supplies and food items.
• Portions food items into standard serving sizes using the proper utensils and specified dishware.
• Decides what food items to serve for the most common diets when the diet card or tray ticket identifies only the kind of diet called for.
• Provides patients with basic information about modified diets and the nutrition services that are available.
• Identifies obvious discrepancies between the prescribed diets and the food items designated by the menu.
• Follows directions in assembling, measuring, weighing, or mixing ingredients for basic formulas and supplemental feedings following standardized recipes and using sanitary techniques.
• Delivers meal trays to the patients' bedsides; reporting the patients' comments and complaints to the supervisor or dietitian.
• Provides assistance to cooks in the food preparation area including assembling, labeling and arranging completed recipe items in preparation for use by cooks.
• Prepares fresh fruit/cold salads/dressings/sandwich fillings and cold sandwiches and simple cold desserts along with individual and bulk nourishments and supplement foods and beverages for patients.
• Makes final check of diet trays assembled by lower grade workers for completeness, correct food temperatures.
• Works in one or more functional areas of the kitchen such as food preparation, dish and pot washing, dry and refrigerated storage and receiving, and the serving line.
• Performs heavy-duty cleaning tasks throughout the food service and related areas.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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