Food Service Worker (Part Time)

The New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is a proud provider of healthcare services dedicated to serving the needs of Veterans. As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this network ensures that Veterans receive high-quality medical care combined with compassionate support and services. Emphasizing a patient-centered approach, the network integrates advanced treatment options, wellness programs, and community outreach initiatives to promote Veterans' health and well-being throughout New Mexico. This institution is committed to fostering a supportive employment environment where staff members are empowered to make meaningful contributions toward improving Veterans' lives.

This specific opening is for a Food Service Worker within the Nutrition and Food Services department at the Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM. This part-time role (20 hours per week) supports the food service operations designed to meet the dietary needs of Veterans. The position works during the 3:30pm to 7:30pm shift, with variable schedules including weekends and holidays, ensuring continuous nutrition support. The pay scale for this job ranges from $18.97 to $22.14 per hour under the WG-3 pay grade.

The Food Service Worker plays a crucial role in the preparation, serving, and handling of meals tailored to patients' prescribed diets. Responsibilities range from setting up food service stations, portioning food using standardized dishware, and assembling correct food trays, to assisting cooks with ingredient preparation and maintaining cleanliness of the dining and kitchen areas. This role also involves direct interaction with Veterans by delivering meals and reporting feedback to supervisors or dietitians, thus contributing significantly to patient satisfaction and care quality.

In this position, candidates will be expected to understand and interpret diet menus and tray tickets and to be vigilant in identifying discrepancies between prescribed diets and menu items to ensure patient safety and compliance. Physical requirements include frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 40 pounds with assistance, highlighting the need for physical stamina and safety awareness.

As a federal position, this role requires U.S. citizenship, suitability for federal employment verified by background checks, and compliance with specific regulatory conditions such as drug screening and selective service registration. Veterans are encouraged to apply, and this job is filled using Direct-Hire Authority, accelerating the hiring process. The appointment is permanent, offering job security within the federal system.

This position represents an opportunity for individuals passionate about public service and food handling within a healthcare setting to contribute directly to the well-being of those who have served the nation. Working in the VA Healthcare Network offers a stable career with the chance to make a tangible difference in Veterans' lives every day. Qualified applicants should be attentive to detail, motivated by service, and prepared to work in a physically active role with variable scheduling.

Employees of the VA benefit from a comprehensive package including medical, dental, and life insurance options, retirement plans, paid time off, and other federal employment perks. This role is an excellent starting point for those interested in federal service careers in healthcare support roles, offering potential growth opportunities and the chance to be part of a mission-driven organization committed to excellence in Veteran care.