Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
flexible schedule
Job Description
The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Jersey, with locations in Lyons and East Orange, is a vital healthcare provider dedicated to serving those who have served our country. This establishment is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and focuses on delivering comprehensive medical and support services tailored to veterans' unique needs. As a reputable government facility, the center emphasizes quality patient care, safety, and a supportive working environment for its staff. The Nutrition and Food Service department plays a crucial role in this mission by ensuring that veterans receive nutritious and appetizing meals during their stay.
This position within the Nutrition and Food Service department at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center involves preparing high-quality, nutritious meals to meet the dietary needs of veterans, including those requiring therapeutic diets such as diabetic, low sodium, low protein, and gluten-free options. The role demands a commitment to food safety, hygiene, and efficient meal preparation techniques in a fast-paced, demanding kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have experience handling a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, broiling, baking, frying, and steaming, and will be skilled in preparing fresh, canned, and frozen ingredients.
The job requires physical stamina and manual dexterity, as it involves standing for extended periods, lifting objects up to 40 pounds, and working in temperature extremes such as walk-in refrigerators and freezers. Workers must comply with strict safety standards, including wearing proper uniforms, hair coverings, and disposable gloves when handling food. The environment is fast-paced and can be noisy and hot, with exposure to cleaning chemicals and potential hazards like sharp utensils.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the job. Experience related to food preparation, safety practices, and equipment use is critical. The role also entails teamwork since employees collaborate with other cooks, food service workers, and supervisors. This is an opportunity to contribute to the health and recovery of veterans by providing them with meals that support their well-being and recovery.
This position within the Nutrition and Food Service department at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center involves preparing high-quality, nutritious meals to meet the dietary needs of veterans, including those requiring therapeutic diets such as diabetic, low sodium, low protein, and gluten-free options. The role demands a commitment to food safety, hygiene, and efficient meal preparation techniques in a fast-paced, demanding kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have experience handling a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, broiling, baking, frying, and steaming, and will be skilled in preparing fresh, canned, and frozen ingredients.
The job requires physical stamina and manual dexterity, as it involves standing for extended periods, lifting objects up to 40 pounds, and working in temperature extremes such as walk-in refrigerators and freezers. Workers must comply with strict safety standards, including wearing proper uniforms, hair coverings, and disposable gloves when handling food. The environment is fast-paced and can be noisy and hot, with exposure to cleaning chemicals and potential hazards like sharp utensils.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the job. Experience related to food preparation, safety practices, and equipment use is critical. The role also entails teamwork since employees collaborate with other cooks, food service workers, and supervisors. This is an opportunity to contribute to the health and recovery of veterans by providing them with meals that support their well-being and recovery.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in food preparation and meal service
- Ability to stand and walk continuously
- Ability to lift and move objects up to 40 lbs unassisted
- Ability to work in hot, cold, and noisy environments
- Willingness to follow safety and hygiene protocols
- Ability to wear proper uniform and protective equipment
- Ability to work with kitchen equipment and sharp tools safely
- Ability to work collaboratively with others
Job Qualifications
- Knowledge of food preparation methods and safety standards
- Ability to follow menus and recipes accurately
- Skilled in preparing therapeutic diets
- Experience in operating kitchen equipment safely
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Knowledge of sanitation and hygiene practices
Job Duties
- Independently prepares and cooks a variety of items including regular and therapeutic diet entrees and dessert items
- Follows menus, production sheets, and recipes to prepare items in the quantity needed
- Grills eggs, meat patties, pancakes, French toast
- Broils meats
- Makes cold sandwich fillings and assembles a variety of sandwiches
- Uses a variety of methods to prepare meats, fish, and poultry including broiling, roasting, baking, frying, boiling, steaming, stewing, braising, and grilling
- Slices meat items by hand, conforming to specific size requirements or weight specifications
- Prepares fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables
- Bakes frozen potatoes, pre-made cookie dough, and muffin batters
- Prepares and heats convenience items, and prepares pureed foods and adjusts consistency with thickeners
- Washes, peels, and cuts fruits and vegetables
- Assembles and mixes salad ingredients and desserts
Job Criteria
Experience
Entry Level (1-2 years)
Job Location
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