Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Memphis, TN

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Nutrition and Food Services at the Memphis VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The WG-4 Food Service Worker independently performs duties requiring proficiency in special procedures and broad knowledge of food service operations, including food and beverage preparation, modified diets, computer use, dishwashing, storage, safety, and sanitation. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Supervisor.

The role involves receiving and entering patient orders into Computrition software; preparing and serving meals and beverages; delivering meal trays to patients; assisting with food preparation; and maintaining food service equipment and work areas. The worker checks diet trays for completeness, temperature, and consistency with prescribed diets, and provides patients with basic information about modified diets and available nutrition services.

The work schedule uses rotating tours of duty: 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., or 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Scheduling is based on service needs and includes weekends and holidays according to a rotating quarterly schedule. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. A one-year probationary period is required. Participation in the VA seasonal influenza program, including annual vaccination or an approved exemption, is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification and required application documents.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must provide evidence of training or experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities assessed through the screen-out element and job elements: dexterity and safety; interpreting instructions and specifications; materials; technical practices; working without more than normal supervision; and work practices.
• Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is required, unless an exemption is granted for medical or religious reasons; employees with an exemption must wear a face mask.

Responsibilities

• Receive and enter patient orders into Computrition software.
• Set up dining room tables, place food and beverages for service, and replenish items as needed.
• Return soiled trays and dishes to the dish room.
• Deliver meal trays to patients’ bedsides and report patient comments and complaints to the supervisor or dietitian.
• Prepare beverages according to the required number of servings.
• Prepare fresh fruit, cold salads, dressings, sandwich fillings, cold sandwiches, and simple cold desserts in specified quantities.
• Sort, wash, peel, and cut cold foods using knives or other equipment.
• Assist cooks with food preparation by weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients according to standardized recipes.
• Prepare uncooked food items, including sandwich spreads and salad dressings.
• Operate, break down, and clean assigned food service equipment and related areas.
• Portion food items into standard serving sizes using proper utensils and dishware.
• Prepare boxed or to-go meals.
• Check diet trays assembled by lower-grade workers for completeness, correct food temperatures, and appropriateness for prescribed diets.
• Identify obvious discrepancies between prescribed diets and menu-designated food items.
• Determine food items to serve for common diets when a diet card or tray ticket identifies only the type of diet.
• Distribute menus and surveys to patients.
• Provide patients with basic information about modified diets and available nutrition services.
• Prepare individual and bulk nourishments and supplemental foods and beverages for patients.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to employees and their families, subject to eligibility based on position type and work status.
• VA may grant credit for qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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