Department of Veterans Affairs VA

Program: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Nutrition and Food Services-Food Service Worker/Health Tech

Program Description

This program is for transitioning service members who have an interest in learning about working as a food service team member in patient meal services. It also incorporates training in the work of health techs who provide patient meal selection support for hospital acute care and residents in the Domiciliary or Community Living Centers. The program is adjustable for times in each training area depending on the length of time approved for the SkillBridge applicant to participate.

Job Description

Food Service Rotation will include learning to do the duties of plating, tray assembly, meal delivery, kitchen sanitation and tray service to inpatients and residents. It could include dining room service in the CLC’s and domiciliary or cafeteria style service. Trainees will receive training and obtain their food handler license. They will be required to read meal orders and properly plate and assemble trays. They will learn what foods are appropriate for prescribed restrictive diets. Trainees will also spend time in the Nutrition communication center where they will learn how to take meal orders from patients and residents, check for diet compliance, food allergies and likes and dislikes. They will be trained in customer service and may take orders either at bedside with the patients or telephonically. They may print and check or mark meal tickets. They will interact with other hospital staff in the medical and nursing teams.

Eligibility

N/A