Job Description
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System is hiring a Food Service Worker Supervisor to lead food service operations at the San Juan VA Medical Center.
In this role, you will directly supervise all food service activities, coordinate the work of Food Service Workers, and ensure that meals are prepared and delivered safely and on time.
You will be the primary shift supervisor, responsible for overseeing food production, nourishment, tray delivery and retrieval, and taking corrective action on any issues that arise on the floors.
Qualification
To qualify for this Food Service Worker Supervisor position (WS-3), you must demonstrate sufficient training or experience to perform the duties. There is no specific length of training required, but your resume must clearly show evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Applicants will be evaluated against a screen-out element and additional job elements.
- No specific length of training or experience required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work.
- Your resume must include detailed descriptions of your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties.
- Applicants are rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
- Screen-out element: Your qualifications are first evaluated against a prescribed screen-out element (usually question 1 on the online questionnaire). Those who meet the minimal acceptable qualification are further rated; others are eliminated.
- Job elements assessed: Dexterity and Safety, Interpret Instructions/Specifications, Lead or Supervise, Materials, Technical Practices, Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment, Work Practices.
- Experience can be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations.
- A full year of work is considered 35-40 hours per week; part-time experience is credited based on time actually spent.
- This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Role Responsibilities
Supervise all areas of food production and service including food preparation, nourishment, tray delivery and retrieval.
- Take corrective action for any problems that arise on the floors pertaining to food service.
- Receive and inspect deliveries; requisition all supplies needed in all food service areas.
- Prepare performance ratings/competencies for all employees under direct supervision.
- Discuss work performance and problems with employees; monitor tardiness and attendance; provide guidance and make necessary adjustments in assignments.
- Carry out responsibilities within general instructions, standard procedures, and established policies.
- Ensure subordinates complete assigned tasks; explain work requirements to meet food service schedules.
- Establish priorities for daily operations in emergency situations; define standards of quality and quantity.
- Serve as a member of the in-service training team by providing individual and/or group instruction for employees.
- Provide guidance and assistance for lower grade employees in making decisions when assembling patient trays.
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
- Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Pre-employment physical required.
- Must complete an online onboarding process.
- Acceptable form of identification required (REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025).
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel.
- Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
- May be required to perform heavy work, including lifting objects up to 40 pounds, pushing heavy carts, and working on ladders.
- Work is performed in kitchen areas with high temperatures, humidity, noise, and exposure to hot liquids, sharp blades, and extreme temperature changes.
Benefits
Complete benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Annual leave accrual based on years of service; prior work or military experience may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
- Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.
Additional Information
This job announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
- If you are unable to apply online, contact the agency contact listed in the announcement for alternate methods.
- Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, VA prohibits requesting criminal history prior to a tentative job offer.
- Selected applicants will be required to serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA Health Care Personnel; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons.
- The work environment includes exposure to heat, humidity, noise, and physical hazards; you must be able to perform heavy work including lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis, but this is not a remote position.
- For questions about this announcement, contact Vilnalys Irizarry-Brisueno at (787) 641-7582 X126196 or [email protected].
About Company
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing complete healthcare services to veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The system includes the San Juan VA Medical Center, multiple community-based outpatient clinics, and other facilities. This Food Service Worker Supervisor position is based at the San Juan VA Medical Center, where you will lead a team ensuring that veterans receive nutritious meals in a safe and timely manner.
FAQs
What are the main duties of a Food Service Worker Supervisor at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System?
You will supervise all food production and service areas, including food preparation, nourishment, tray delivery and retrieval. You will also inspect deliveries, requisition supplies, prepare performance ratings, monitor attendance, and provide training to lower-grade employees.
Do I need a specific degree or education to qualify for this WS-3 position?
No, this job does not have an education qualification requirement. You qualify based on your training or experience, which must be clearly described in your resume.
Is this position open to the public or only current VA employees?
This position is open to current, permanent employees of the Nutrition & Food Service from VA Caribbean Healthcare System. ICTAP is outside this area of consideration.
What is the work environment like for this role?
You will work in kitchen areas with high temperatures, humidity, and noise. You may be exposed to hot liquids, sharp blades, and extreme temperature changes when entering walk-in refrigeration units. The role requires heavy work, including lifting up to 40 pounds and pushing heavy carts.
How will my application be evaluated?
Your qualifications will first be evaluated against a screen-out element. If you meet that, you will be rated on job elements such as Dexterity and Safety, Lead or Supervise, and Technical Practices. Your resume must clearly show your experience.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You need a resume (two pages or less starting September 27, 2025) and, if you are a current or former federal employee, your most recent SF-50. You may also include a cover letter, transcript (if applicable), and documentation for veterans preference or ICTAP/CTAP.
Can I telework in this position?
Yes, telework is available on an ad-hoc basis, but this is not a remote position. You will be expected to work onsite at the San Juan VA Medical Center.