Cook

The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) is a comprehensive medical center dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to veterans in the Palo Alto, CA, and Menlo Park, CA areas. As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VAPAHCS focuses on delivering patient-centered care, advanced medical treatments, and supportive services tailored to the unique needs of military veterans. VAPAHCS operates a range of specialized clinical services, outpatient care, research programs, and community-based initiatives aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of veterans. The Nutrition and Food Services department at VAPAHCS plays a vital role in supporting the medical center's mission by ensuring that veterans receive nutritious, safe, and timely meals aligned with their dietary requirements.

The current opportunity is for a Food Service Worker position within the Nutrition and Food Services division at VAPAHCS, located in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, California. This is a full-time, permanent position with a pay scale of WG-4, offering an hourly wage range of $26.49 to $30.84. This role is not only crucial in meal preparation and service but also involves the transportation of tray delivery carts within the healthcare facility premises. The work schedule generally includes shifts Monday through Friday, with hours either from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM or 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and may require availability on weekends and holidays depending on departmental needs.

As a Food Service Worker, the selected candidate will actively contribute to the smooth functioning of food preparation, serving meals, and maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. The position requires physical stamina due to the nature of the work, including standing for extended periods, lifting moderate weights, and operating various kitchen equipment such as steamers, mixers, meat slicers, and blast chillers. Attention to detail and adherence to established dietary guidelines are essential, particularly when handling modified diet orders or specialized meal requests.

Additionally, this role demands effective interaction with computerized food service systems for processing diet orders, tray tickets, and food tallies, requiring candidates to possess a basic understanding of technical practices and the ability to follow instructions accurately without extensive supervision. The position also carries responsibilities related to logistics, such as safely loading and unloading food and supplies, arranging loads to prevent shifting during transit, and maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dishroom areas.

This employment opportunity emphasizes the importance of teamwork, safety, and compliance with health regulations, as workers may be exposed to heat, noise, cleaning chemicals, and other environmental factors typical of a busy hospital kitchen. Participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all healthcare personnel, reflecting the agency's commitment to protecting both staff and patients.

Applicants to this position must be U.S. citizens and meet various employment conditions, including a pre-employment physical, background investigation, and Selective Service registration for males born after 1959. A valid state-issued driver’s license is required, but education qualifications are not mandatory for this role. This position does not involve supervisory responsibilities and is categorized as a non-sensitive, low-risk federal job. It offers candidates the chance to work in a meaningful setting that supports veterans' health and well-being while enjoying the benefits associated with federal employment, including comprehensive leave, healthcare options, and career development resources.