Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Aurora, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Food Service Workers independently perform 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. They can perform the duties of lower-grade workers and may also help make patient selections, thicken food items, and check trays. Positions are located in Aurora or Lakewood, Colorado.

Duties include preparing and serving food; sanitizing food-preparation surfaces; cleaning refrigerators, freezers, floors, ceilings, and exhaust hoods; handling and storing clean dishes and utensils; setting up dining areas and cafeteria lines; operating dishwashing equipment; delivering meals to patients or patrons; and removing food waste. Workers follow menus, recipes, schedules, safety data sheets, and instructions for cleaning products, while applying sanitation and safety practices. The work requires completing tasks quickly and accurately under deadline pressure, maintaining quality, and recognizing hazards.

This is not a remote or virtual position, and telework is unavailable. The work schedule may be full-time or part-time and will be determined upon selection. Wage Grade 2 workers perform light to moderate physical effort, with some heavy tasks such as scrubbing large cooking utensils and pushing heavy carts. The role involves continuous standing and walking; frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending; frequent lifting or moving of objects up to 20 pounds without assistance; and occasional lifting or moving of objects over 40 pounds with assistance.

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.
• Applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusing testing results in denial of employment.
• 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, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• No specific length of training or experience is required, but applicants must demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work, supported by detailed resume descriptions.
• Must demonstrate the ability to perform the work and meet the applicable Federal Wage System qualification standards and screen-out element.
• Must demonstrate job-related competencies including dexterity and safety; interpreting instructions and specifications; materials; technical practices; using and maintaining tools and equipment; working without more than normal supervision; and work practices.
• Must be able to perform the physical demands described, including continuous standing and walking, frequent bending and related movements, and lifting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Sanitize food-preparation surfaces using appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Clean walk-in refrigerators and freezers in food-service or food-handling settings.
• Handle and store sanitized dishes, glasses, and silverware.
• Prepare sandwiches using prepared ingredients and portion food to standard serving sizes.
• Prepare large quantities of fresh fruit or green salads and brew coffee using commercial equipment.
• Set up dining areas with dishes, trays, utensils, glasses, and condiments.
• Scour and scrub heavy cooking utensils, and perform heavy-duty cleaning such as cleaning ceilings and exhaust hoods.
• Load and operate continuous conveyor-belt dishwashing equipment.
• Set up cafeteria lines and steam tables with hot and cold food items.
• Clear tables and carry trays of dishes; deliver meals, including hot food and liquids, to patients or patrons.
• Sweep and mop floors in high-traffic areas and move kitchen equipment to clean behind and beneath it.
• Empty trash containing food scraps and waste.
• Read and follow schedules, menus, recipes, work instructions, and safety data sheets.
• Follow label directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing agents and apply sanitation principles to prevent spoilage and waste.
• Follow safety policies when lifting, carrying, transporting, and delivering food or other items.
• Work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure while maintaining quality and avoiding accidents.
• Recognize common health and safety hazards affecting oneself and other workers.
• May assist with patient food selections, thickening items, and checking trays.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on existing pay, qualifications, or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can continue into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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