Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Iowa City, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Food Service Worker position is located in Nutrition & Food Service at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa. The employee independently performs duties requiring proficiency in special procedures and broad knowledge of food service operations, including food and beverage preparation, modified diets, computer proficiency, dishwashing, dry and refrigerated storage, and safety and sanitation.

The position supports meal service and food preparation for patients. Work is performed in kitchen areas that may have high temperatures and humidity, exposure to hot liquids, sharp blades and surfaces, and temperature changes in walk-in refrigeration units. The work requires light to moderate physical effort and may include heavier tasks such as scrubbing large cooking utensils and moving heavy carts. The schedule rotates across days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with shifts between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Dexterity and safety.
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications other than blueprint reading.
• Knowledge of materials and technical practices.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of work practices.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Must participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Set up and break down assigned stations with the correct supplies and food items.
• Portion food into standard serving sizes using proper utensils and dishware.
• Select food items for common diets when a diet card or tray ticket identifies the type of diet but not specific foods.
• Provide patients with basic information about modified diets and available nutrition services.
• Identify obvious discrepancies between prescribed diets and menu-designated foods.
• Assemble, measure, weigh, or mix ingredients for basic formulas and supplemental feedings according to standardized recipes and sanitary techniques.
• Deliver meal trays to patients' bedsides and report patient comments and complaints to a supervisor or dietitian.
• Assist cooks by assembling, labeling, and arranging recipe items for use.
• Prepare fresh fruit, cold salads and dressings, sandwich fillings and cold sandwiches, simple cold desserts, and individual or bulk nourishments and supplement foods and beverages for patients.
• Make a final check of diet trays assembled by lower-grade workers for completeness and correct food temperatures.
• Work in one or more kitchen areas, including food preparation, dish and pot washing, dry and refrigerated storage and receiving, and the serving line.
• Perform heavy-duty cleaning throughout food service and related areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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