Food Service Worker

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring for a Food Service Worker in Providence, Rhode Island. This role involves preparing meals, assisting patients with dietary needs, and maintaining a clean work environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills and the ability to work efficiently in a kitchen setting. The position is permanent and requires availability for various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.
• Experience can include paid, unpaid, or volunteer roles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver meals and tube feedings.
• Assist patients with diet restrictions and meal choices.
• Maintain sanitation of food and work areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of food safety

Customer service

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Job description

Summary

Food Service Worker in the Nutrition & Food Service of the VA Providence Healthcare System. Permanent, full‑time (40 hrs per week). Direct‑Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205(b)). This position is posted as an Open & Continuous Announcement establishing a standing register of eligible applicants.

Qualifications

• Permanent full‑time; 40 hours per week.
• Training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties; evidence should be provided on the resume.
• Experience may be paid, unpaid, or volunteer (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, professional or community service). Volunteer work is credited if duties and hours are clearly described.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties; they will be rated against the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
• Screen‑out element: Applicants must meet the minimal acceptable qualification requirement to be considered for further rating.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

Food service work requires light to moderate physical effort with possible heavy duties (scouring, pushing carts, lifting up to 20 lb, occasional > 40 lb with assistance). Continuous standing, walking, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending and lifting. Work in kitchen areas with high heat, steam, and humidity. Noise and risk of slips, cuts, hot liquids, and extreme temperature changes.

Duties

• Performs tasks requiring attention and sequencing.
• Provides ongoing instructions and demonstrates proper work methods.
• Prepares and delivers meals and tube feedings.
• Conducts hydration and snack deliveries twice daily.
• Checks menus, unit orders, and portioning guide for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists patients with diet restrictions and daily meal choices.
• Sets up cold food items, desserts, and beverages.
• Performs basic food preparation (toast, egg, coffee).
• Assists cooks by weighing/measuring ingredients and labeling them.
• Makes salads, including molded salads.
• Ensures correct portioning of salads, desserts, condiments, and beverages for tray serving units and cafeteria.
• Checks work in progress for compliance with written guidelines.
• Places regular or modified diet cards and menus during serving operations.
• Checks food from preparation area to determine correctness, quality, and temperature.
• Maintains sanitation and proper handling of equipment, supplies, utensils, and dishes.
• Participates in cleaning work area, serving unit, and dining room.
• Maintains familiarity with unit equipment and reports maintenance issues.
• Reads and interprets menus and patient selections, placing correct items on trays.
• Provides patient‑centered care and customer service.
• Interacts daily with veterans for menu selections.
• Work schedule varies between 0600 am and 7:30 pm; must be available for any shift, including weekends and holidays.