WDVA Food Service Worker, On-Call, Washington Veterans Home

State of Washington; Port Orchard (WA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, WA is hiring an On-Call Food Service Worker to support meal service for residents. This role offers intermittent shifts and requires availability for at least three shifts per week on two different shifts.

You will follow serving guides, maintain safety, assist with food preparation, and ensure high standards of hygiene. A valid Washington state food worker card is required, with opportunities to grow within state service.

Qualifications

• Requires valid Washington state food worker card.
• Proven dependability and teamwork with good communication.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and follow procedures.
• Commitment to safety, infection control, and quality standards.
• Agency competencies include learning and helping others.

Responsibilities

• Serve foods in cafeteria or serving line following guides and recipes.
• Monitor temperatures and use therapeutic diet principles.
• Prepare food and clean/sanitize equipment and area.
• Deliver food and equipment to kitchen or designated areas.
• Follow safe food handling practices and sanitation principles.
• Assist with sanitation, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
• Lift up to 60 lbs and be able to reach 36 inches to stock shelves.

Skills

Dependability

Teamwork

Communication

English proficiency

Arithmetic ability

Policy compliance

Safety and infection control

Education

Washington state food worker card

culinary arts certificate (preferred)

ServSafe certification (preferred)

Job description

Food Service Worker

On-Call

Washington Veterans Home

Looking for an opportunity to begin your career in state service while directly contributing to the well-being of our Veterans? Our On-Call Food Service Worker position at the Washington Veterans Home in scenic Port Orchard, Washington!

*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

Please note: This position is On-Call. "On-call" is defined as positions where the work is intermittent in nature, is sporadic and does not fit a particular pattern. On-Call employees are utilized to support operational staffing needs. Shifts for on-call staff are scheduled on a rotational basis. The on call expectations for this position requires that staff be available to work as needed, with a minimum availability of three shifts per week, on two different shifts. This position is not eligible for telework.

Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for Supplement Basic Shift Premium for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Responsibilities

• Serve foods in the cafeteria or on the serving line following portions specified on serving guides and recipes.
• Serve hot and cold foods on the cafeteria line or the serving line using therapeutic diet principles and monitoring food for safe serving temperatures.
• Prepare food, clean and sanitize equipment and area, and other assigned duties.
• Comply with safe food handling practices.
• Perform a variety of food preparation duties following specific sanitation principles and utilizing safe working methods.
• Deliver food and equipment to and from assigned area and kitchen.
• Frequently lifting, pushing, pulling, and handing of up to 40 lbs.; occasionally up to 60 lbs.
• And more!

Required Qualifications

• Valid Washington state food worker card.
• Dependability, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Must be proficient in the English language.
• Ability to:
  • Make simple arithmetic calculations.
  • Work productively with staff and residents from diverse backgrounds.
  • Follow policies and procedures.
  • Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
  • Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
    • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
    • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or certificate in culinary arts.
• ServSafe certified.
• Experience with geriatric and/or healthcare institutional setting.
• Experience working with residents with dementia and/or mental health diagnoses.
• Ability to organize, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diet planning, preparation and serving of special diets, and sanitary methods of food handling.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain a valid Washington state food worker card.
• Must learn all current modified/therapeutic diets.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and follow proper call-in procedures.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated time frame, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Other Information

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call [phone]. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at [e-mail].