WDVA Food Service Worker, Full-Time Permanent, Washington Veterans Home

Food Service WorkerWe are excited to now be accepting applications for a Full-Time Food Service Worker position here 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: The expected schedule for this position is 5:30am to 2:00pm, Sunday through Thursday. 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. As a Food Service Worker, you'll be responsible for distributing food in a safe and sanitary manner and ensure the nutritional needs of our residents are met. Cultivate your culinary career and put your customer service skills to work by serving America's heroes!DutiesSome of what you'll do:Portions and dishes-up foods for service in the cafeteria or on the serving line following portions specified on serving guides and recipes.Serves hot and cold foods on the cafeteria line or the serving line using therapeutic diet principles and monitor food for safe serving temperatures.Cleans, peels, and cuts vegetables and fruit.Cleans and cuts bread and meat items.Weighs and measures ingredients following recipe directions.Cuts and portions finished menu items.Accomplishes simple preparation tasks such as make coffee, toast, and/or hot cereal, boil eggs.Assists with grilling of food items such as pancakes, French toast, meats, and sandwiches.Prepares nourishment food items to include milkshakes, sandwiches, and snacks.Retrieves items from food storage to have adequate supplies for meal preparation.Provides general cleaning and sanitation of work areas on a continuous basis.Provides cleaning and sanitation of all areas of the food service department – dining room, food preparation areas, food storage areas, servery area, dish room, restrooms and lounge, halls, doors, walls.Provides cleaning and sanitation of food preparation equipment, utensils, and dishware, using approved methods and careful handling of equipment to avoid damage.Uses equipment to prevent cross-contamination.And more!QualificationsPlease Note: For positions required to have a Washington state food worker card, this is the correct website from which you can obtain a valid credential: Required:Current, Valid Washington State Food Handler's Permit (from dependability, teamwork, and communication skills.Must be proficient in the English language and be able to read, write, and speak English.Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations.Ability to work productively with staff and residents from diverse backgrounds.Ability to follow policies and procedures.Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.Has basic computer-use competency.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/Desired:Has a degree or certificate in Culinary Arts.Has a Serve Safe certification.Has experience with geriatric and/or healthcare institutional setting.Has 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.Possesses an understanding of professional boundariesHas a knowledge of: therapeutic diet planning; preparation and serving of special diets; 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 possess the physical ability to do required work, including lift/carry/push/pull frequently up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 60 pounds and reach items up to 74" high in an unrestricted manner on a consistent basis during the entire workday. Ability to walk, sit, stand, and bend in an unrestricted manner or on an intermittent basis 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.BenefitsMore than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care