Job Description

Description
Food Service Worker Lead
Full-Time - Permanent
Washington Veterans Home
Join our team and make a positive difference in the lives of our Veteran residents! We are hiring a full-time Food Service Worker Lead to guide and check the work of other Food Service Workers, monitor for safe food handling practices, and participate in food preparation and cleaning duties for the Washington Veterans Home.
If you have lead worker experience and are passionate about providing quality food service for our nation's Veterans, apply today!
Please note: The expected shift for this position is 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
*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.
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 , we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 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.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:

• Serve as lead employee in food service duties in assigned area, including guiding and checking the work of other Food Service Workers.
• Monitor for safe food handling practices.
• Portion and dish foods for service in the cafeteria or on the serving line.
• Serve hot and cold foods on the cafeteria line or the serving line using therapeutic diet principles and monitor food for safe serving temperatures.
• Check the work of other Food Service Workers for quality control.
• Perform a variety of food preparation duties, such as:

• Cleaning, peeling, and cutting vegetables and fruit.
• Cleaning and cutting meat items.
• Weighing and measuring ingredients following recipe directions.
• Cutting and portioning finished menu items.
• Make coffee, toast, and/or hot cereal; boil eggs.
• Assist with grilling of food items such as pancakes, french toast, meats, etc.
• And more!
• Deliver food and equipment to and from assigned area and kitchen.
• Deliver food carts to resident dining rooms using manual pushing/pulling.

*Complete Position Description available upon request*
Qualifications
Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.*
• One (1) year of experience in quantity or institutional food preparation and serving.
• Valid Washington state food worker card (obtained from

). * Must be proficient in the English language and be able to speak, read, and write English.

• Ability to:

• Lead staff and direct others in and perform food preparation, serving, and cleaning work.
• Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Make simple arithmetic calculations.
• Work productively with staff and residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Follow policies and procedures.
• Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Use basic functions of a computer.

*Please Note: If you qualify by completion of a course in large-scale cooking, please attach a transcript showing your completed coursework.
Preferred/Desired:

• Lead worker experience.
• Degree or certificate in culinary arts.
• ServSafe certified.
• One (1) year of experience in a lead supervisory role in a food service setting.
• One (1) year of experience with geriatric and/or healthcare institutional setting.
• One (1) year of 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.

Supplemental Information
Check out this awesome video to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:

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

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
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 (360) 725-2183. 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 .

Skills Required