Food Service Worker - Serve Our Heroes at VA Memphis

Are you passionate about providing essential support and making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a rewarding opportunity for a dedicated Food Service Worker at the Memphis VA Medical Center. This position is crucial for ensuring that Veterans receive nutritious and well-prepared meals, contributing significantly to their overall health and well-being. If you possess strong culinary skills, a commitment to quality, and a desire to serve, this role within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) might be the perfect fit for your career.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal cabinet-level agency that provides comprehensive healthcare services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries to America's military veterans. Its mission, rooted in President Lincoln's promise, is to care for those who have served in the nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a major component of the VA, operates one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the world, delivering care through a network of hospitals, medical centers, and community-based outpatient clinics. The VHA is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, advancing medical research, and educating healthcare professionals. The Memphis VA Medical Center is a vital part of this system, offering a wide range of services and playing a key role in the region's healthcare landscape.

Job Responsibilities

As a Food Service Worker (WG-4) at the Memphis VA Medical Center, you will play an integral role in the Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) department. Your responsibilities will encompass a variety of tasks essential to the daily operation of the food service unit. These duties require proficiency in specialized procedures and a broad understanding of service operations.

Key responsibilities include:

Patient Order Management: Receiving and accurately inputting patient dietary orders into the Computrition software system.
Meal Preparation: Assisting cooks by weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients according to standardized recipes. Preparing uncooked food items like sandwich spreads and salad dressings. Preparing fresh fruit, cold salads, sandwich fillings, cold sandwiches, and simple cold desserts in specified quantities.
Service and Delivery: Setting up dining room tables, placing food and beverages, and replenishing items as needed. Delivering meal trays directly to patients' bedsides.
Dietary Compliance: Performing a final check of diet trays assembled by lower-grade workers to ensure completeness, correct food temperatures, and appropriateness for prescribed diets. Identifying discrepancies between diets and menu items.
Patient Interaction: Distributing menus and surveys to patients, and providing basic information about modified diets and available nutrition services.
Nourishment Preparation: Preparing individual and bulk nourishments, as well as supplemental foods and beverages for patients.
Equipment Operation and Cleaning: Operating, breaking down, and cleaning all assigned food service equipment and related areas to maintain hygiene and functionality.
Post-Meal Service: Returning soiled trays and dishes to the dish room for processing.
Reporting: Communicating patient comments and complaints to the supervisor or dietitian.
Sanitation and Safety: Adhering strictly to all safety and sanitation regulations to ensure a clean and healthy environment.

This role is dynamic and requires adaptability to the needs of the service, including working weekends and holidays as part of a rotating schedule.

Requirements

To be considered for this Food Service Worker position, applicants must meet the following criteria by the closing date of the announcement:

Basic Qualifications:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
Background Investigation: Suitability for federal employment will be determined by a background investigation.
Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Onboarding and Identification: Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable forms of identification for pre-employment requirements.
Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period is required to evaluate performance and fitness for continued employment.

Experience and Skills:

While a specific length of training and experience is not mandated, applicants must demonstrate evidence of training or experience that shows they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. This must be supported by detailed descriptions in your resume. Key areas of evaluation include:

Dexterity and Safety: The ability to handle tasks safely and efficiently.
Interpret Instructions: Understanding and following written and verbal instructions, specifications, and technical practices.
Work Practices: Performing duties effectively, even without constant supervision.
Materials: Knowledge of food ingredients and supplies.
Technical Practices: Adherence to established food service procedures.

Applicants will be rated based on the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. A "screen-out" element will be used to assess minimum qualifications; applicants not meeting this will be rated ineligible.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this Food Service Worker position is set at a competitive hourly rate, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved. The salary range is:

Minimum Range: $20.04 per hour
Maximum Range: $23.08 per hour

This wage is determined by the Federal Wage System (FWS) and is commensurate with the WG-4 grade level.

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. While specific details may vary, typical federal benefits include:

Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a choice of plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit pension plan, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k)-like savings plan.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual (vacation) leave and sick leave accrual, based on years of federal service. Paid federal holidays.
Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Other Benefits: Potential for flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Note: Credit for previous non-federal experience or military service may be given for earning annual leave rates. For more information on VA benefits, visit VA Careers.

Application Steps

Applying for this rewarding position is a straightforward process:

Visit USAJOBS: Go to www.usajobs.gov.
Create/Login: Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing profile.
Select Documents: Choose your saved USAJOBS resume and any other necessary supporting documents.
Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational questionnaire thoroughly and honestly.
Submit Application: Submit your complete application package by the deadline, September 30, 2027, at 11:59 PM EST.

Tip: You can preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the provided link in the announcement. It is crucial to ensure all information is accurate and submitted on time.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, consider these helpful tips:

Resume Precision: Tailor your resume to precisely match the requirements and duties listed in this announcement. Be specific about your accomplishments and responsibilities. Remember the upcoming two-page resume limit effective September 27, 2025.
Detailed Descriptions: Clearly articulate your experience in both your resume and the occupational questionnaire. The hiring agency cannot make assumptions about your qualifications.
Required Documents: Double-check that you have uploaded all required documents. Missing documentation can lead to ineligibility.
Timeliness: Submit your application well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Status Tracking: Use your USAJOBS account to monitor the status of your application throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What are the basic qualifications for this Food Service Worker position?	Applicants must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of training and experience to perform the duties. This includes knowledge of food preparation, modified diets, computer use, sanitation, and safety. Specific details are outlined in the 'Qualification Summary' and 'Requirements' sections of the announcement.
What is the salary range for this position?	The salary for this Food Service Worker position ranges from $20.04 to $23.08 per hour.
What are the work hours for this position?	The work schedule is rotating, with shifts typically falling between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm. This includes working weekends and holidays based on a rotating off-day schedule.
Does this position have promotion potential?	This position is listed as WG-4 with no promotion potential indicated.
Are relocation or recruitment incentives offered?	No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
What documentation do I need to submit with my application?	The primary document required is your Resume. Other documents may be accepted and/or required depending on your specific circumstances (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, transcripts, disability letters). Please refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a comprehensive list.

This Food Service Worker position at the VA Memphis Medical Center offers a stable and fulfilling career opportunity to contribute directly to the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans. By ensuring high standards in food preparation and service, you become a vital part of the VHA's commitment to excellence. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to serve those who have served, we encourage you to submit your application. Join a team dedicated to compassion, quality, and service.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Serve Our Heroes: Join the VA Memphis Medical Center as a Food Service Worker and make a daily difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans!

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join their team at the Memphis VA Medical Center in the Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) department. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our nation's heroes by ensuring high-quality food preparation and service. As a WG-4 Food Service Worker, you'll perform a variety of essential duties, including patient order management, meal preparation, serving, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. If you have a passion for service and enjoy working in a dynamic healthcare setting, we encourage you to apply. This position offers a stable career path with the potential for growth within the VHA.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

Must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
Must be able to pass a background investigation for federal employment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Successful completion of an online onboarding process is required.
Acceptable identification is necessary for pre-employment requirements.
Note: As of May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses or state-issued IDs cannot be used for employment identification.
All application requirements outlined in the "Required Documents" section must be met.
A one-year probationary period will be required upon hiring to evaluate performance and fitness for continued employment.
Demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position is essential, supported by detailed descriptions in your resume.
Ability to follow instructions, work practices, and adhere to safety and sanitation standards.
Proficiency in food and beverage preparation, modified diets, computer use, dishwashing, storage, and safety procedures is expected.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Experience performing duties equivalent to a WG-4 level in a food service setting.
Familiarity with Computrition software or similar food service management systems.
Knowledge of various dietary requirements and modifications.
Experience in a healthcare or hospital food service environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options.
✓Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
✓Retirement savings plan (401k equivalent).
✓Life insurance options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Stable and rewarding career serving Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Visit the USAJOBS website.
Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date (09/30/2027 at 11:59 PM EST).
To preview the questionnaire, click the provided link.
Ensure all required documents are uploaded and submitted with your application.

💡 General Tips

Carefully review the "Required Documents" section to ensure all necessary items are submitted.
Craft a clear and concise resume that highlights relevant experience and skills, aligning with the job announcement's requirements. Prioritize recent and impactful experience.
Pay close attention to the two-page resume limit for Federal positions starting September 27, 2025. Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder or format your resume to meet this requirement.
Be specific and detailed when describing your experience in the occupational questionnaire and resume. Avoid assumptions.
Double-check all information before submitting your application. Incomplete applications may lead to ineligibility.
Track your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic qualifications for this Food Service Worker position?

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of training and experience to perform the duties. This includes knowledge of food preparation, modified diets, computer use, sanitation, and safety. Specific details are outlined in the 'Qualification Summary' and 'Requirements' sections of the announcement.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary for this Food Service Worker position ranges from $20.04 to $23.08 per hour.

What are the work hours for this position?

The work schedule is rotating, with shifts typically falling between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm. This includes working weekends and holidays based on a rotating off-day schedule.

Does this position have promotion potential?

This position is listed as WG-4 with no promotion potential indicated.

Are relocation or recruitment incentives offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

The primary document required is your Resume. Other documents may be accepted and/or required depending on your specific circumstances (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, transcripts, disability letters). Please refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a comprehensive list.