Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker position is a critical role located at the VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, a prominent healthcare facility dedicated to serving the needs of veterans. As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wichita VA Medical Center is committed to providing exceptional medical care, rehabilitation services, and support to veterans and their families. The center operates a variety of healthcare services including outpatient care, inpatient admissions, and specialized treatment programs, all aimed at improving the health and well-being of veterans. This position is a permanent, full-time role classified under the WG 4 pay scale, with an hourly wage range of $23.69 to $27.63. The position is not eligible for promotion potential, reflecting its specialized and specific duties within the food service operations of the medical center.

This role is primarily involved in the multifaceted operations of food service in a demanding healthcare environment. Food Service Workers at the VA Medical Center take on diverse responsibilities across various functional areas of the kitchen. This includes food preparation, washing dishes and pots, managing dry and refrigerated storage, receiving goods, and contributing to the serving process which involves portioning cold foods, dipping hot foods, and ensuring meals are delivered efficiently and accurately to patient rooms. The position demands a high level of attention to detail and the ability to follow standardized recipes and dietary menus specific to medical nutrition needs. Candidates must be comfortable working in a kitchen environment that may experience high temperatures and humidity due to cooking processes, as well as performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects and sustained standing or walking.

Employment as a Food Service Worker at the VA also implies a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in food handling and presentation. Workers are responsible for setting up and breaking down stations with appropriate supplies, observing diet menus, assisting cooks with ingredient preparation, and maintaining clean work areas. Interaction with patients is part of the role, requiring courteous delivery of meal trays and communication of any patient feedback to supervisors or dietitians. An additional aspect of this job includes assisting in preparing simple cold dishes such as salads and sandwiches, which requires basic food service skills and knowledge of sanitary food storage and handling.

This position requires compliance with federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship, background checks, selective service registration for applicable candidates, and an onboarding process with identity verification. A probationary period of one year will be observed to evaluate the employee’s performance and suitability for continued federal employment. Physical demands include frequent lifting and moving of objects, exposure to hot and cold environments, and the need to follow safety and work practice protocols. Additionally, participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for health care personnel to ensure workplace safety.

Working at the VA Medical Center offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on serving those who have served the nation. Candidates with a passion for public service, food safety, and patient care will find this role both rewarding and impactful. The position does not offer telework or relocation expenses and is represented by a union, emphasizing the collaborative environment within the federal healthcare services.