Food Service Worker

The Food Service Worker position is based within the Nutrition and Food Service department at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The VA Medical Center is a leading healthcare establishment dedicated to serving the health needs of U.S. veterans with exceptional care, emphasizing a holistic, Whole Health System approach. This approach empowers veterans to take charge of their health and well-being and encourages personalized health plans within healing environments and strong community connections. The medical center operates under the Veterans Health Administration, which is committed to improving the health and quality of life for veterans.

This particular role is a full-time, permanent position classified under the WG 4 pay scale with a salary range of $24.70 to $28.79 per hour. The position's core responsibility revolves around independently performing a variety of key food service duties that require proficiency in special procedures and a wide-ranging knowledge of service operations. These duties include the preparation of food and beverages following specific modified diets, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation protocols, managing dishwashing, and handling storage of dry and refrigerated items. The Food Service Worker also needs to utilize computer proficiency for related tasks.

The role is tailored to individuals who are motivated to work in a dynamic healthcare food service environment, which includes set-up and break-down of food stations using correct supplies and food items. Workers are responsible for portioning food according to standard serving sizes, often making decisions about food service based on diet cards or tray tickets when only the diet type is indicated. Communication with patients is essential, as employees provide basic dietary information and relay patient feedback to supervisors or dietitians.

In addition to preparing food, the position involves assisting cooks by assembling and labeling recipe items and creating fresh salads, dressings, sandwich fillings, and simple desserts. The Food Service Worker is expected to check diet trays for completeness and correct food temperatures, work in various kitchen areas such as food preparation, dishwashing, and storage, and perform heavy-duty cleaning tasks ensuring a sanitary environment.

Working in this role requires the capability to work under varying shifts including holidays and weekends, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. The workplace environment includes exposure to kitchens with high temperatures and humidity, loud noises, and the physical demands of standing, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds unassisted and sometimes heavier items with help. The role carries a significant public service component as it supports the nutritional needs of veterans, aligning with federal government ideals of serving the public good and supporting veterans' health.

As an employee at the VA Medical Center, the Food Service Worker participates in a system that advocates for holistic healing and health promotion for veterans. This position contributes directly to the mission of honoring America’s veterans by ensuring their dietary and nutrition needs are met with professionalism and care. Individuals in this role will also be subject to a one-year probationary period to assess suitability and performance within the federal system. This job does not have an education qualification requirement but requires demonstrated ability through experience or training relevant to food service work. The position is not eligible for relocation or recruitment incentives and is not a supervisory role. Employees benefit from a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans, underscoring the VA's commitment to its workforce.