Sanitation Worker

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a Sanitation Worker for Central State Hospital, Petersburg, VA. The role ensures cleanliness and safety of food service operations, including dish washing, temperature checks, and proper food storage in accordance with regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will follow safety protocols, assist with meal trays, and support infection control measures to provide reliable patient meals and maintain a safe kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Experience communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Experience in a food service operation.
• Virginia driver's license or state ID required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and sanitary environment for food service operations.
• Operate and monitor dish machine; record temperatures.
• Assist in meal tray assembly and tray cart loading.
• Follow FIFO methods and safety/infection control protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Food service experience

Driver's license

Job description

Title: Sanitation Worker

State Role Title:79211

Hiring Range: $35,524.00 - $45,069.00

Pay Band: 1

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

***Any and all qualifications that you have must be represented in your application/resume as verifiable work experience.***

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Sanitation Worker! This position plays a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of our Food Service operations. The Sanitation Worker will be responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment by properly cleaning and sanitizing equipment, small wares, pots, pans, and other kitchen tools in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulatory standards. Duties include maintaining proper dish machine operations, monitoring and documenting temperatures, ensuring proper food storage and labeling, and following FIFO methods. The position also assists in meal tray assembly and tray cart loading to ensure patients receive properly portioned and timely meals. This role requires adherence to safety and infection control protocols, including the use of PPE and quarantine cleaning procedures when necessary. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and respect for others while supporting Central State Hospital’s mission to provide a safe and compassionate environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

The successful candidate will or will have:

• Ability to do manual labor and tasks such as bending, stooping and lifting
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated ability to perform sanitation tasks such as cleaning floors, food service equipment and other work areas
• Knowledge of food preparation techniques

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Experience in a food service operation
• Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license or I.D. required

Additional Considerations

• None

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Department

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.