Food Service Worker

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the New Jersey VA Medical Center, which serves veterans in the East Orange and Lyons campuses. The facility is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to veterans, including nutritional and food services vital for patient recovery and well-being. This federal healthcare institution emphasizes integrity, service, and respect while ensuring that veterans receive comprehensive care in a supportive environment. The VA is known for its dedication to the principles of the American republic and the United States Constitution, making it a respected employer in the public sector.

The Food Service Worker role at the NJ VA Medical Center is essential within the Nutrition and Food Service Department. This is a permanent position offering a competitive hourly wage of $23.52 to $27.46, with the work carried out on multiple schedules including varied hours, alternating weekends, and holidays. Employees are required to rotate between the East Orange and Lyons campuses to meet operational requirements and ensure consistent coverage. This position does not offer telework or remote work options, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role.

Food Service Workers play an integral role in supporting the dietary needs of veterans by preparing and serving meals following strict dietary guidelines. The position involves setting up workstations, portioning food into standard servings, assembling patient trays accurately, and serving meals directly at patients' bedsides while addressing their needs and concerns. The worker must be familiar with various diets and menus and able to identify discrepancies to maintain patient health and satisfaction. Additionally, the role requires assisting cooks with food preparation, including weighing and measuring ingredients, and preparing fresh items such as fruits, salads, sandwiches, and simple desserts.

Physical demands of the job include working in high-temperature kitchen environments and handling heavy cleaning tasks. The employee must be capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods and occasionally lifting items weighing up to or exceeding 40 pounds with assistance. Safety awareness and the ability to operate safely around hot surfaces, sharp utensils, and refrigeration units are paramount. This position requires a commitment to quality and safety standards while maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the food service area.

Applicants should be U.S. citizens, nationals, or owe allegiance to the United States and be prepared to undergo background checks, drug screening, and verification of selective service registration where applicable. The VA values applicants dedicated to improving government efficiency and who respect the agency's mission and values. A one-year probationary period is required to assess the employee's suitability and contribution to agency goals. Veterans receive full consideration, although veterans’ preference rules do not apply due to the direct-hire authority.

This job offers a comprehensive benefits package typical for federal employment, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and other benefits contingent on employment type and schedule. The position is part of the competitive service and offers no promotion potential at this grade level, underlining the role’s focus on operational support rather than supervisory responsibilities. The announcement is open continuously until September 14, 2026, and multiple vacancies exist across the New Jersey VA Health Care System at East Orange and Lyons, reflecting ongoing needs to support veteran care through excellent nutrition services.