Food Service Worker

The Durham VA Medical Center, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a leading healthcare facility dedicated to providing exceptional medical services to veterans. As a part of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, this center delivers comprehensive healthcare encompassing multiple specialties with a mission to honor and serve those who have served in the military. The Medical Center operates various departments, including Nutrition & Food Service, which plays a critical role in maintaining patient well-being through proper nutrition and quality food service. The facility is committed to ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient environment that supports both patients and staff, all while adhering to federal guidelines and promoting health and safety standards.

The Food Service Worker role at the Durham VA Medical Center is an essential full-time, permanent position under the WG 2 pay scale, with a competitive salary range of $18.13 to $21.15 per hour. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in working in a structured, supportive federal environment dedicated to serving veterans and their families. The worker will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen and food service areas, ensuring proper handling and delivery of food trays to patients, and assisting with the preparation of cold foods. There is a significant physical component to the job, including lifting and moving items, standing for extended periods, and working in potentially high-temperature, high-humidity environments. The work schedule is primarily from 5:30 am to 2:00 pm with rotating weekends, and it requires a commitment to dependability, safety, and attention to detail.

The food service worker will undertake duties such as cleaning various kitchen and food service equipment, performing preventative maintenance on production equipment like steam kettles and tilt skillets, operating dishwashers, and tray cart transportation. They will also assist patients directly by delivering trays bedside or helping with meal transport. This role demands a careful eye for dietary instructions, as workers must identify discrepancies in prescribed diets or allergies and ensure proper tray assembly. Working in the nourishment and cold food preparation area entails assembling food items, including making cold sandwiches from pre-prepared ingredients.

This position requires a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork as it directly impacts veteran patients' quality of care and satisfaction with their meals. The Durham VA Medical Center supports career growth and development, with clear policies on employee conduct, probationary periods, and opportunities for veterans and transitioning service members. Applicants must meet federal employment conditions, including citizenship, background checks, drug screening, and compliance with federal employment laws. This role offers the stability and benefits of federal service with access to comprehensive health, dental, retirement, and leave programs.