Cook

The Providence VA Medical Center is a prominent healthcare facility dedicated to providing exceptional medical care to veterans in the Rhode Island area. As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this medical center emphasizes the importance of serving those who have served the nation with dignity and respect. Committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare, the Providence VA Medical Center operates as an acute care hospital with a range of specialized services aimed at improving the health and well-being of veterans. With a team-oriented work environment, the center encourages professional growth and dedication to public service, supporting employees in their mission to enhance the quality of life for veterans and their families.

This job opening is for the full-time position of Cook within the Nutrition and Food Service department at the Providence VA Medical Center. This role offers a standard 40-hour work week and falls under the WG-6 pay scale with hourly rates ranging from $27.89 to $32.54. The Cook position plays a critical role in ensuring veterans receive nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to meet various dietary requirements, including regular and therapeutic diets like diabetic, low sodium, low protein, and gluten-free options. Tasked with preparing a diverse array of dishes, the Cook applies a variety of cooking methods such as broiling, roasting, baking, frying, steaming, braising, and grilling to create entrees, desserts, and sandwiches.

The successful candidate will demonstrate independence and professionalism in executing daily meal preparation based on detailed menus, production sheets, and recipes. The position requires handling multiple kitchen equipment safely while adhering to strict food safety and sanitary procedures, including proper food handling, cleaning and sanitizing work areas and equipment, and deep cleaning duties when necessary. Furthermore, the role involves carefully weighing and assembling ingredients to produce meals that meet precise nutritional and consistency specifications, including pureed foods for patients requiring specific dietary accommodations.

Working within a dynamic food service team, the Cook must efficiently coordinate cooking processes to ensure meals are delivered on time and at optimal temperatures, even when juggling items with varying cooking durations. Physical demands of the role include continuous standing, walking, and frequent bending, along with lifting items up to 40 lbs independently and heavier objects with assistance. Candidates must possess manual dexterity for safe knife handling and equipment operation under the fast-paced and sometimes challenging conditions of the kitchen environment, including exposure to temperature extremes, steam, odors, and cleaning chemicals.

This permanent position supports the Providence VA Medical Center’s mission by contributing to the overall health outcomes of veterans through excellent food preparation services. The Cook position requires commitment to federal standards and policies, including wearing proper uniforms and protective gear, and participating in safety protocols to minimize risks in the workplace. Candidates are expected to uphold principles of the American republic and the U.S. Constitution, reflecting the values and ethics central to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The work schedule is flexible and may include rotating days, weekends, holidays, and shifts within the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The role does not offer telework or relocation benefits and is located in Providence, Rhode Island. By joining the Providence VA Medical Center, employees become part of a prestigious federal institution that values public service and offers career stability, comprehensive benefits, and the rewarding experience of supporting veteran patients.