Food Service Worker

Full Job Description

The Food Service Worker, WG-2 is a position in the Nutrition and Food Services located at the Bruce W Carter Department of VA Medical Hospital.

Nutrition and Food Service is responsible for providing meals and nutritional care to veteran patients at the Medical Center, and the primary purpose of this position is to perform food service tasks with a sequence of steps that require attention to work operations, sanitation and safety.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position.

Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire.

Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Follow Directions Handle Weights and Loads Reliability And Dependability Special Aptitude - Food Service Work Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Major Duties:

This Food Service Worker position is located within the Nutrition and Food Services at the Bruce W Carter Department of VA Medical Hospital.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assists in the preparation of simple food items such as sandwiches, salads, beverages, and desserts.

Portions food into serving containers using established serving sizes to ensure dietary accuracy. Sets up serving and tray assembly lines with appropriate food, condiments, utensils, and supplies.

Loads, arranges, and delivers patient meal trays to designated areas following scheduled delivery times.

Collects soiled trays and dishes from patient units and returns them to the dish room for cleaning.

Operates commercial dishwashing equipment, ensuring dishes, utensils, and cookware meet sanitation standards.

Cleans and sanitizes food service equipment, workstations, and dining areas according to HACCP and VA sanitation policies.

Restocks food and non-food items in refrigerators, freezers, dry storage, and serving areas.

Follows safe food handling procedures to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with infection control requirements.

Receives and stores deliveries; rotates stock using First-In-First-Out (FIFO) methods. Assists cooks and higher-graded food service staff with basic food preparation tasks as needed.

Operates various kitchen equipment such as blenders, toasters, warmers, and carts safely and correctly.

Communicates with nursing and dietetic staff regarding tray issues, missing items, or diet changes. Performs other related duties to support meal service and ensure efficient kitchen operations.

Preferred Experience: Prior food service experience in a healthcare environment, including work on tray-line assembly.

Familiarity with sanitation standards, safe food-handling practices, and dishwashing procedures is also preferred. Work Schedule: Part Time (20 hours), 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

variable work schedule with rotating weekends and holidays.

Position Description Title/PD#: Food Service Worker/PD99921A Physical Requirements: The work requires continuous standing and walking, along with frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and stretching to complete food service tasks.

The incumbent must be able to lift and carry lightweight items (such as trays, food items, and service equipment) and occasionally handle heavier objects up to 40 pounds.

Duties involve pushing food carts over various surfaces and maneuvering them through congested areas.

The position requires tolerance for working in both hot and cold environments, including time spent in refrigerated spaces and production areas where temperatures may be above or below normal kitchen conditions.