Senior Food Services Assistant - Dietary - VCMC

Senior Food Services Assistant

Under general supervision, incumbent performs the more difficult tasks related to the preparation, service, and delivery of food to clients, patients, staff, large groups, and/or visitors at a Ventura County facility; maintains cleanliness and sanitation of utensils, equipment, and work area; and leads and trains lower-level Food Services Assistants.

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill. DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Health Care Agency Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) Senior Food Services Assistant is represented by the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra-help vacancies. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy at the Ventura County Medical Center.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OPENING DATE: 8/17/26 CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive enough qualified applications to meet business needs. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.

Examples Of Duties

Depending on the assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, prepares, apportions, delivers, and serves meals which involves chopping, slicing, mixing, grating, and assembling food items according to standardized recipes, directions, instructions from supervisors, and proper food handling guidelines;
• Stores and inventories food, supplies, and materials per Department and State regulations;
• Sanitizes all equipment, utensils, appliances, and facilities; cleans dishes, trays, pots, pans, utensils, kitchen equipment, and food preparation areas;
• Operates a variety of kitchen equipment including stand mixer, tilt braiser, tilt steam kettle, electric slicer, steam cabinet, industrial dishwasher, oven, and others;
• May operate a cash register and count and collect money;
• May read, interpret, and/or complete various documents such as medical dietary orders, meal count forms, and logs;
• Provides transportation and delivery of food in emergencies;
• May provide lead supervision over other food services staff; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of large-scale (100+ customers per day) food preparation and service experience. Experience must reflect food preparation for large gatherings such as school or hospital cafeteria, cruise line, military, stadium, and/or large banquets. Short order cooking and fast food experience would not qualify for this position.

Necessary Special Requirement: Must be able to read and write in English and understand and follow oral and written instructions in English.

Working knowledge of:

• the needs and requirements of various populations (age groups, special diets, behavioral patterns, etc.)
• methods and procedures for preparing and serving food in large quantities
• sanitation and safety practices and regulations related to handling and serving food in large quantities
• inventory methods and proper methods of food rotation and storage
• the proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies
• proper lifting techniques
• basic math and record-keeping techniques
• interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy

Working ability to:

• learn the physical arrangements and food service routine in a short period of time
• follow, adjust, and extend recipes
• prepare, cook, and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations
• maintain nutrition service equipment and areas in a clean and sanitary condition
• adhere to food service and sanitation rules
• observe and follow health and safety regulations
• operate large kitchen equipment and machinery safely
• lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects
• stand for long periods of time
• maintain a neat and clean personal appearance
• communicate effectively in an oral and written manner
• establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• maintain a variety of records related to assigned activities
• plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our website at If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources- Health Care Agency, 646 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

LATERAL TRANSFER OPTION: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE Qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION Pass/Fail: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to the written examination.

Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position. For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by e-mail at View email address on click.appcast.io or by telephone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.