Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $23.89 - $27.86
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program

Job Description

The Long Beach VA Health Care System is a reputable federal health care provider dedicated to offering exceptional medical and support services to U.S. Veterans. Established to enhance the well-being of our nation's heroes, the system operates with the core mission of delivering high-quality health care while ensuring compassionate and respectful treatment to all Veterans. Situated in Long Beach, California, this facility is part of the larger Department of Veterans Affairs network, serving a wide demographic of Veterans with diverse needs. It stands out for its commitment to employing skilled professionals who share a passion for supporting Veterans through excellent service and care. As a federal institution, the Long Beach VA Health Care System also offers a comprehensive benefits package along with a stable and rewarding career path for its employees.

This specific job opening is for the role of Cook within the Nutrition & Food Service department. This permanent, full-time position offers an hourly pay range of $23.89 to $27.86 and requires working various shifts, including weekends and holidays, to meet the operational demands of the facility. The role involves preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that meet the dietary requirements of Veterans under the care of the VA Medical Center. The Cook will perform a variety of food preparation tasks including washing, cutting, measuring ingredients, cooking to precise standards, and packaging food according to established safety protocols and recipes. This role demands adherence to food handling procedures that maintain safety, quality, and sanitary standards while using various kitchen equipment powered by gas, steam, electricity, or microwave sources. Physical requirements include continual standing, frequent stooping and bending, and lifting or moving objects up to 40 pounds unassisted, or more with assistance. The successful candidate will need to exhibit strong food preparation skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. The Cook plays a pivotal role in ensuring Veterans receive meals that contribute to their health and comfort during their stay. This position does not have formal educational requirements but emphasizes relevant experience and the ability to follow technical cooking practices and safety standards. Joining the Long Beach VA Health Care System means becoming part of a mission-driven team focused on improving the lives of Veterans by providing high-quality dietary services as part of their comprehensive care.

Job Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation
  • Willingness to undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use screening
  • Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Completion of online onboarding process with acceptable identification
  • Commitment to serving a 1-year probationary period
  • Ability to fulfill application and documentation requirements

Job Qualifications

  • Evidence of training or experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties
  • Knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen safety
  • Ability to follow precise recipes and cooking procedures
  • Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Strong work practices including food hygiene and safety adherence

Job Duties

  • Performs a variety of simple cooking tasks with little processing
  • Prepares food by washing, peeling, chopping, grinding, cutting, slicing, dicing, pureeing, flouring, breading and paring
  • Weighs, measures, and assembles ingredients for recipes
  • Prepares all kinds of hot cereals, and cooks frozen convenience, concentrated or dehydrated soups, gravies, and sauces
  • Makes cold salads and sandwich fillings
  • Prepares fresh, cut or frozen vegetables and simple desserts including baking cookies from pre-portioned frozen dough
  • Mixes ingredients according to precise recipes that produce quality products
  • Cooks food according to prescribed times and temperatures
  • Operates kitchen equipment using gas, steam, electricity or microwave heat sources
  • Follows food handling procedures to store and portion foods
  • Ensures food safety by covering, dating, and storing food properly
  • Oversees lower graded workers during food preparation
  • Prepares individual and bulk nourishment and special feedings as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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