Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, SC

22d • Onsite

About The Position

Food Service Workers perform tasks involving several steps or sequences that require attention to work operations. They follow set procedures and an established sequence of work, including working in the dish room, passing trays, portioning cold foods, and dipping hot foods. The position may involve working in food preparation, dish and pot washing, dry and refrigerated storage and receiving, and the serving line. Duties include setting up cafeteria lines and dining areas; serving and portioning food; preparing salads, sandwiches, and box lunches; delivering meal trays to patients; cleaning work areas and equipment; washing and storing dishes and utensils; receiving and storing supplies; and handling food waste and trash. Other related duties may be assigned.

The work schedule is either 5:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. or 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, including weekends and holidays. The work is performed in kitchen areas that may be hot, humid, and noisy. Floors may be slippery, and workers are regularly exposed to hot liquids, sharp blades, hot surfaces, and temperature changes when entering refrigeration or freezer units. The job requires continuous standing and walking, frequent bending and other movements, and lifting or moving objects, sometimes with assistance.

No specific length of training or experience is required. Applicants must demonstrate training or experience sufficient in scope and quality to show the ability to perform the work. There is no education qualification requirement. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

• Demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Provide detailed resume descriptions supporting the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties.
• Meet the prescribed screen-out element and demonstrate reliability and dependability.
• Meet U.S. citizenship requirements; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete the online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements, and all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification to continue employment after its completion.
• Receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons; wear a face mask if exempt.

Responsibilities

• Set up cafeteria lines, steam tables, dining room tables, and side service stands with hot and cold food items.
• Serve food cafeteria-style, placing uniform portions on customers' or patients' plates.
• Break down and clean assigned areas after meals and return food to the kitchen.
• Set up dining room tables, place food and beverages, and replenish items as needed.
• Return soiled trays and dishes to the dish room after meals.
• Deliver meal trays to patients' bedsides.
• Brew coffee according to the required number of servings.
• Prepare fresh fruit or green salads in quantity using prepared dressings and portion them into standard serving sizes.
• Apportion other food items into standard serving sizes using appropriate utensils and containers.
• Make cold sandwiches using prepared ingredients and pack box lunches.
• Work in kitchen areas including food preparation, dish and pot washing, storage and receiving, and the serving line.
• Sort, wash, peel, and cut fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Operate and break down equipment.
• Perform heavy-duty cleaning throughout food service and related areas.
• Separate food waste and trash from dishes, glasses, and silverware in the dishwashing area.
• Remove inspection doors, strainer pans, screens, and spray arms for preventive maintenance of the dish machine.
• Unload delivery trucks.
• Store sanitized dishes, glasses, and silverware.
• Scrape, soak, scour, and scrub heavier cooking utensils.
• Move heavy garbage cans while collecting and transferring trash to the disposal area.
• Perform other related 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.
• VA may offer credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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