Food Service Worker

The Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center located in Houston, Texas, is a reputable healthcare institution dedicated to providing exceptional medical care and services to U.S. veterans. As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, this medical center is committed to supporting veterans with a comprehensive range of healthcare programs including specialized nutrition and food services. The facility is known for its patient-centered approach, aiming to enhance the quality of life for veterans through effective treatment and dedicated support staff. Working at such an esteemed federal facility offers employees the chance to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of veterans, enjoying the stability and benefits that come with federal employment.

This Food Service Worker position is embedded within the Nutrition and Food Service department at the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary range of $18.95 to $22.10 per hour with a pay grade of WG 3. The position involves working rotating shifts, Monday through Sunday, from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., offering a dynamic work schedule varied to meet the needs of the facility. Employees will be engaged in various duties essential for maintaining high standards in food service and patient care, including meal preparation, delivery, and sanitation.

The Food Service Worker plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive meals that align with their prescribed diets while maintaining food safety and quality standards. Responsibilities encompass setting up and breaking down food service stations, portioning food into standardized serving sizes, and thoughtfully assembling patient trays by selecting appropriate diet-specific foods. This position requires vigilance in identifying discrepancies between menus and prescribed diets to safeguard patient health.

Moreover, this role supports cooks in food preparation activities, handling tasks such as weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients based on standardized recipes. Employees also prepare fresh fruits, salads, dressings, sandwich fillings, and simple cold desserts, enhancing the meal options for patients. Delivery of trays to patients’ bedsides includes reporting patient comments and concerns to supervisors or dietitians, ensuring continuous feedback and quality improvement.

The physical demands of the role involve light to moderate exertion with tasks that include continuous standing and walking, frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending. Occasionally, employees will engage in heavy work such as scrubbing large cooking utensils and pushing heavy carts. The job necessitates the ability to lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted and more than 40 pounds with assistance. This challenging, yet rewarding position provides an opportunity to serve veterans directly, fostering a supportive environment while upholding federal employment standards and policies.

Personnel employed in this role are expected to comply with federal regulations including background checks, drug testing, and Selective Service registration if applicable. A one-year probationary period will assess the employee’s performance, conduct, and overall fit within the agency, aligning with the public interest and agency goals. This role also mandates participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs' seasonal influenza vaccination program, contributing to the safety of both staff and patients.

Overall, this role is ideal for individuals passionate about food service and supporting veteran healthcare, seeking a stable federal career with the opportunity to develop skills in food safety, nutrition, and patient interaction in a healthcare setting. The position does not require formal educational qualifications but calls for demonstrated ability, experience, and skills relevant to food service operations and patient care in a hospital environment. The Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center proudly offers a comprehensive benefits package and fosters a workplace culture devoted to quality, respect, and federal service excellence.