Summary OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans? DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 004) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4). Responsibilities This position is located in Nutrition and Food Services at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, MI. MAJOR DUTIES: Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking/heating items that require little or no processing, using several different methods. Mixes ingredients according to precisely written recipes that produce quality products, minimize preparation time and avoid food material waste. Portions food items into standard serving sizes using the proper utensils and specified dishware. Manages all functions pertaining to diet office communication center when assigned to that area. Uses computer to run diet activity list and tray tickets and prepare tray tickets and patient select menus for the tray line. Uses computer to enter food preferences/selections. Utilizes the computer to print food production worksheets, daily nourishments and food preferences. Follows computerized production worksheets for items and amount to distribute. Ability to set up and work all stations on tray line. Cooks food to proper temperatures and maintains the proper temperature for all foods during holding to assure quality control and food safety. Cleans work areas practicing a "clean as you go" concept, including refrigeration/freezer units, work tables/carts, cooking and food preparation equipment, floors, walls, shelving, return soiled trays and dishes to the dish room. Safely operates a variety of kitchen equipment which utilizes gas, electricity, steam, and/or microwave heat sources. Labels food items identifying product, date of production, and use by date. Covers and stores leftovers according to established guidelines. Assists with rotation of stock, checking dates on food products, and properly labeling and dating all food items. Discards postdated products appropriately. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Weekdays/Weekends; 11:00am - 7:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Cook/ PD20047O Physical Effort: May be required to and must be physically able to perform work involving constant standing, walking, frequent bending, stooping, pushing and pulling. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. May be required to push heavy carts and trucks in unloading, storing and delivering supplies and transport heavy objects and food service equipment. Incumbent must be able to work in temperatures above and below normal and is subject to cuts and burns when preparing or serving food and beverages; is in danger of falling on slippery floors. Works with a variety of cleaning compounds and detergents. Working Conditions: The work is performed in kitchen, dish room, pot machine room, storage areas and offices where steam and heat from cooking, serving on the tray assembly line and dish or pan washing often causes high temperatures and high humidity. The work areas are generally well lighted, but usually noisy from food service activities. There is a danger of slipping on wet floors where food or beverages have been dropped. Incumbent is regularly exposed to hot liquids, sharp cutting blades, hot working surfaces and extreme temperatures. Depending upon the job assignment the work may require the use of protective clothing and gear such as masks, gowns, gloves, earplugs, goggles, beard snoods and freezer coats. Clothing and dress must meet sanitation and safety standards. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. Education Additional Information The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.