Summary

The Diet Aide will be aligned under Nutrition and Food Service at the San Diego VA Health Care System (SDVAHCS). Diet Aides independently perform duties that require proficiency in special procedures. They require a broad knowledge of service operations - such as food and beverage preparation - modified diets - computer proficiency - dishwashing - dry and refrigerated storage - and safety and sanitation.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required - but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge - skills - and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element - which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions - Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Duties

• Duties may include - but are not limited to: Diet Aides primarily work in the Diet Office and are responsible for processing all diet information communicated to the service via food service software - telephone or diet information slips according to the Diet Office Workflow
• Diet Aides conduct patient phone calls and visitations to take menu selections and answer questions
• Diet Aides perform other customer service-related tasks as assigned and must always maintain a friendly and cheerful demeanor - reflecting the culture of the healing NFS promotes
• Diet Aides support tray line operations by reviewing the menu with tray line employees and ensuring stations are set up adequately for meal service operation
• Diet Aides also prepare bulk supplemental feedings and deliver to assigned units
• Diet Aides may need to use portion control scales and measuring devices to apportion individual items according to standardized recipes
• Diet Aides may be assigned to make certain all food and soiled pans have been returned to the appropriate area
• Diet Aides may need to complete other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Variable with rotating days off Position Description Title/PD#: Food Service Worker-Diet Aide/PD12981A Physical Requirements: Diet Aides may be required - and must be physically able - to perform work involving frequent and recurring standing - walking - reaching - pushing - pulling - and bending
• They may be required to push heavy carts and trucks in unloading - storing - and delivering supplies and transport heavy objects and food service equipment
• Work is subject to some pressure to complete assignments with close schedules
• To minimize risks of work related injuries - Diet Aides should adhere to safe ergonomic work practices - including - bending of knees while lifting - utilizing appropriate protective equipment - and following established safety policies.