Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Temple, TX

13d

About The Position

The 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, dry and refrigerated storage, and safety and sanitation. This position supports Nutrition and Food Service operations within the Veterans Health Administration.

The worker prepares and serves food for patients, assists cooks, assembles meal trays, and works in kitchen functions such as food preparation, dish and pot washing, storage and receiving, and the serving line. The position also involves cleaning food service areas and delivering trays to patients. Work takes place in kitchen areas that may have high temperatures and humidity, with exposure to hot liquids, sharp blades, hot surfaces, and temperature changes in refrigeration units. The schedule rotates among listed tours and days off every 28 days.

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.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the duties, supported by detailed descriptions on the resume.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Suitability for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Completion of required online onboarding and provision of acceptable identification documents.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period, including written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.
• Compliance with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirement or an approved medical or religious exemption; a face mask is required when an exemption is granted.
• Ability to meet the screen-out element and job elements, including dexterity and safety, interpreting instructions and specifications, materials, technical practices, use and maintenance of tools and equipment, work without more than normal supervision, and work practices.

Responsibilities

• Set up and break down the assigned station with the correct supplies and food items.
• Portion food into standard serving sizes using appropriate utensils and dishware.
• Select food items for common diets when a diet card or tray ticket specifies only the type of diet.
• Provide patients with basic information about modified diets and available nutrition services.
• Identify obvious discrepancies between prescribed diets and menu items.
• 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 completed recipe items for use.
• Prepare fresh fruit, cold salads and dressings, sandwich fillings and cold sandwiches, simple cold desserts, and individual and bulk nourishments and supplement foods and beverages for patients.
• Check 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 tasks throughout food service and related areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• VA may approve credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed and must be requested before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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