Food Service Worker

The Northern Indiana Health Care System (NIHCS) located in Marion, Indiana, is a prominent healthcare provider dedicated to serving veterans and their families across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. NIHCS is part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and operates multiple medical centers and outpatient clinics designed to provide exceptional health care with a focus on improving the well-being of veterans. The organization embraces a Whole Health System of care philosophy that fosters a personalized healthcare experience, healing relationships, and strong community connections for veterans. NIHCS is committed to honoring America’s veterans by ensuring they receive comprehensive and superior medical services, which include a focus on nutrition and food service support.

This particular Food Service Worker position is based within the Nutrition and Food Service department at NIHCS. This part-time role offers a working schedule of 20 hours per week, specifically from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on a rotating three-week schedule. It is classified under Wage Grade 4 and offers an hourly salary range of $21.78 to $25.42. This permanent role is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is tasked with supporting the food service operations crucial to patient care in the medical center.

The Food Service Worker will play an integral part in ensuring that veterans under NIHCS care receive properly prepared, timely and nutritious meals tailored to their specific dietary needs. This role requires light to moderate physical effort and encompasses duties such as setting up tray stations, delivering meal trays to patients, preparing beverages, cold salads, sandwiches, and simple desserts, as well as assisting cooks in food preparation. Essential responsibilities also include portion control, verifying diet adherence, labeling and distributing nourishments, and maintaining sanitary conditions in food service areas. The worker must also use computer systems to manage inventory and recipe records.

The individual in this role must follow standardized recipes and sanitary techniques while supporting the overall mission of NIHCS to improve patient health and satisfaction. This position requires continuous standing, walking, and occasional heavy lifting, reflecting the physically active nature of the job. Besides technical food service duties, the Food Service Worker also serves as a vital link between patients and nutrition/dietitian teams by reporting patient comments and ensuring food service aligns with prescribed diets.

NIHCS values applicants' alignment with federal employment standards, including citizenship, adherence to drug screening policies, and meeting all documentation requirements with a commitment to the core American values underpinning government service. The Department of Veterans Affairs ensures fair opportunities for displaced federal employees through career transition programs and encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. This role provides stability within a respected federal healthcare setting offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth and contribution toward serving veteran communities. Overall, the Food Service Worker position at NIHCS is a vital support role that combines practical food service skills with a compassionate approach to veteran care, ensuring high standards of nutrition and wellness within the healthcare system.