Materials Handler

About the role

The primary purpose of the position involves receiving, storing, distributing, taking inventory and creating orders for foods, beverages, supplements, and supplies.

Additionally, this position is responsible for the cooking and preparation of regular and special diet foods for the patients in any of our food service locations and operation a motor vehicle to deliver foods and supplies to service locations and for routine maintenance trips.

What you will do

• Ingredient Control/Inventory Management Incumbent performs duties that require proficiency in special procedures and a broad knowledge of service operations, such as patient tray service, including delivery system unit operation, motor vehicle operation, dishwashing, and refrigerated/freezer storage.
• Responsible for entering Subsistence Prime Vendor orders using appropriate websites, which are reviewed and submitted by an ordering official.
• Creates updates order guides to standardize ordering processes.
• Collaborates with NFS management team to review and adjust bread and milk deliveries/contracts.
• Responsible for the proper receipt, inspection, storage and safety of all subsistence and supplies.
• Receives and stores all products delivered to the service.
• Accepts receipts of subsistence deliveries from all vendors.
• Ensures that subsistence is received in a safe and sanitary manner, and that accurate quantities are received and added into inventory appropriately.
• Inspects all incoming shipments for obvious spoilage or damage according to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and FDA Food Code guidelines.
• Checks for product delivery shortages and/or overages.
• Verifies weights of delivered goods, when appropriate.
• Screens and identifies shipping and receiving documents for discrepancies.
• Documents findings that require corrective action.
• Initiates and records corrective action for any delinquencies/deficiencies.
• Acts as a representative of the service in communications with vendors to correct these issues.
• Stores all subsistence and expendable supplies according to service policy.
• Selects storage location, and labels, dates and rotates stock using First In/First Out (FIFO) methodology.
• Makes sound decisions in moving stock and has full responsibility of stock areas.
• Maintains clean and orderly storage areas always.
• Communicates to appropriate team members when stock items are low, close to expiration dates, or show signs of damage.
• Conducts quality assurance assignments as needed.
• Assists in usage control through ensuring distribution is in accordance with quantities requested/required.
• Assists in the development of plans to designate or change storage space, storage location, organization and arrangement of stock, and the identification of high and low usage items.
• Completes inventory of all frozen/refrigerated foods, other subsistence items and operating supplies.
• Uses productions forms, recipes, menus, oral, and written instructions to determine type and quantity of ingredients and food items to issue and/or deliver products to various production or service locations.
• Process and verifies receiving reports or invoices in accordance with guidance from Food Production Supervisor.
• Performs duties that require proficiency in special procedures and a broad knowledge of service operations, such as food preparation, dishwashing, dry and refrigerated storage, and foods and beverage serving.
• Knowledge of inventory procedures; stock rotation; and ability to assemble, label, and distribute bulk nourishments and tube feedings to ward kitchens and/or nursing stations.
• Utilizes printed and electronic files containing sensitive information and is responsible for protecting that information from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Motor Vehicle Operator Incumbent is responsible for driving GSA-owned vehicles for delivering products to service locations.
• Incumbent is required to drive local city and interstate highways for supplies and equipment.
• Incumbent is responsible for maintaining the proper sanitation and maintenance for the 1 1⁄2 ton delivery truck.
• Cook Working alone or with instructions from the Food Production Supervisor, or higher-level employee, perform a full range of simple cooking by preparing and cooking items following Cook-Serve production style.
• Prepares and cooks a variety of menu items including regular and special diet entrees, modified textures and dessert items.
• Incumbent prepares several menu items to be sure that all items are ready for service to meet established schedules.
• This includes modified diet items when one item is cooked a variety of ways.
• Prepares and cooks items such as pancakes, sausage, eggs, hamburgers, fresh or canned vegetables, frozen hash browns, fish fillets, chicken nuggets and pizza.
• Also prepares and cooks pureed diet foods such as peas and spinach.
• Preferred Experience: Previous Materials handler/inventory control experience preferred, hospital food service experience preferred.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 5:00 am to 1:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler/PD604650 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Valid State issued driver's license required for this position.
• Copy of Driving Record will be required if selected for this position.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion.

The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
• You will not be contacted for additional information.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
• If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.
• In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
• Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be considered. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.

All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.