Food Service Worker

The Amarillo VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) is a part of the larger Department of Veterans Affairs, dedicated to providing robust health care services to veterans in Amarillo, Texas, and surrounding regions. The facility is committed to enhancing the quality of life for veterans through comprehensive medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care. As a federal institution, AVAHCS offers a range of employment opportunities that come with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the satisfaction of serving those who have served the country. The Nutrition & Food Service department at AVAHCS plays a critical role in ensuring that patients receive nutritious and appropriate meals according to their dietary requirements.

This Food Service Worker position is a permanent, part-time role, offering 20 hours per week with varying shifts, including early mornings and afternoons, on a schedule that encompasses weekends and holidays. Compensation for this position ranges from $18.89 to $22.04 per hour, which reflects the level of expertise and responsibility required to effectively support patient care through food service. The role involves preparing and delivering meals to patients, ensuring dietary compliance, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation within the kitchen environment.

As a Food Service Worker at the Amarillo VA Medical Center, you will be responsible for setting up and breaking down food service stations, portioning food according to standardized serving sizes, and assembling patient trays with close attention to dietary instructions. The position requires you to identify and rectify discrepancies between prescribed diets and food items served, deliver meal trays to patients, and report any comments or complaints to supervisors or dietitians. Additionally, you will assist in food preparation tasks such as weighing and measuring ingredients, preparing fresh fruits, cold salads, dressings, sandwich fillings, and simple cold desserts.

Working in this role means operating in a kitchen environment that experiences high temperatures and humidity, requiring physical stamina, including standing, walking, and occasionally lifting heavy objects. The position also demands adherence to strict federal regulations, including drug testing and a one-year probationary period to ensure that employees meet the federal standards of performance and conduct.

The Food Service Worker role supports the overall mission of the AVAHCS by contributing to the nutritional needs of veterans receiving care, playing a vital part in their recovery and well-being. Employees in this position must exhibit strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to following dietary guidelines and food safety protocols. This role is suitable for candidates who are motivated to work in a federally regulated environment and passionate about providing excellent service to veterans.