WDVA Food Service Worker, Full-Time Permanent, Washington Veterans Home

State of Washington • Kitsap County - Port Orchard, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Food Service Worker at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, Washington, distributes food safely and sanitarily to help meet residents’ nutritional needs. The role supports food preparation and service, including following portion guides, recipes, therapeutic diet principles, and safe-temperature practices. It also includes retrieving supplies, cleaning and sanitizing food-service areas and equipment, and preventing cross-contamination.

This is a full-time, permanent position. The expected schedule is 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. The position is not eligible for telework. Effective July 1, 2025, eligible employees assigned to direct-care work at the facility receive a supplemental basic shift premium of $1.00 per hour for each hour of basic shift premium; it does not apply to overtime and is scheduled to expire June 29, 2027.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs serves Veterans and their families through advocacy, community services, and four State Veterans Homes. The Washington Veterans Home provides nursing-home care to Veterans and, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Requirements

• Current, valid Washington State Food Handler’s Permit; the food worker card must be maintained.
• Dependability, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to work productively with staff and residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection-control standards.
• Basic computer-use competency.
• Pass a DSHS BCCU background check before beginning services and every two years thereafter.
• Comply with annual Tuberculin Screening requirements.
• Complete medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required; be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other required personal protective equipment.
• Physical ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 60 pounds; reach items up to 74 inches high; and walk, sit, stand, and bend as required throughout the workday.
• Sign the employee confidentiality statement and comply with applicable DVA policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, follow call-in procedures, and complete required orientation and training within mandated time frames.
• Candidates offered employment must have work authorization that does not require employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Degree or certificate in Culinary Arts.
• Serve Safe certification.
• Experience in a geriatric or healthcare institutional setting.
• Experience working with residents with dementia or mental health diagnoses.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Understanding of professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diet planning, preparation and serving of special diets, and sanitary food-handling methods.

Responsibilities

• Portion and dish up food for cafeteria or serving-line service according to serving guides and recipes.
• Serve hot and cold foods using therapeutic diet principles and monitor food for safe serving temperatures.
• Clean, peel, and cut vegetables and fruit; clean and cut bread and meat items.
• Weigh and measure ingredients according to recipe directions, and cut and portion finished menu items.
• Perform simple food preparation, such as making coffee, toast, hot cereal, or boiled eggs.
• Assist with grilling items such as pancakes, French toast, meats, and sandwiches.
• Prepare nourishment items, including milkshakes, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Retrieve supplies from food storage for meal preparation.
• Continuously clean and sanitize work areas and clean and sanitize food-service spaces, equipment, utensils, and dishware using approved methods.
• Use equipment and practices that prevent cross-contamination and handle equipment carefully to avoid damage.
• Learn current modified and therapeutic diets and maintain a valid Washington State food worker card.
• Follow applicable policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, attendance procedures, and required training.

Benefits

• Supplemental basic shift premium of $1.00 per eligible hour of basic shift premium for qualifying direct-care employees assigned to the facility; does not apply to overtime and expires June 29, 2027.

What This Job Offers

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