*The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Food Service Worker at the Montana Veterans' Home.* The *Montana Veterans' Home (MVH)* located in Columbia Falls is a Medicare/Medicaid and Veterans' Administration certified facility with 105 intermediate/skilled-care beds and 12 domiciliary beds. The nursing facility includes a 15-bed Dementia Care unit. MVH has been providing services to Veterans since 1896. The Montana Veterans' Home is located next to the Flathead River just minutes away from Glacier National Park. A large pavilion, walking paths and protected courtyards provide ample opportunities for outdoor access. The facility offers individual and group activities, spiritual services, support group services and social services. The skilled and rehabilitative services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and dietitian services. *Why Join DPHHS* * * Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve and protect the health, safety, and well-being, and to empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation (15 days per year), sick leave (12 days per year), and holidays (11 per year), work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience. *Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):* * * *A. *Food Preparation and Serving * Prepares and serves food and beverages to provide residents with nutritionally adequate meals and snacks by following dietary procedures and meeting established work schedules. * Prepares individual meal trays for residents using knowledge of therapeutic and mechanically altered diets and following resident’s individual diet order. * Checks temperatures as assigned by supervisor to assure foods/liquids are served and stored at established temperatures to prevent burns and food-borne illness, while maintaining quality. * Properly dates and labels all stored food items. Practices proper food storage rotation. *B. *Cleaning and Sanitizing * Cleans and sanitizes dietary equipment to prevent bacterial growth, cross contamination, and spread of food-borne illness by following Department of Health, facility, and food service department policies and procedures. * Washes dishes, utensils, and pans, scraping leftover food into a garbage disposal and trash containers. Operates commercial mechanical dishwasher or washes by hand using a three-compartment sink. * Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment such as blender, dish machines, tray-line equipment, food carts, freezers, and cupboards. * Follows proper sanitation, hand washing, gloving procedures to avoid cross-contamination and spread of food-borne illness to residents and staff. *Physical and Environmental Demands:* Must be able to operate commercial kitchen equipment in a safe manner. Work closely with co-workers in limited space & maintain positive work relations. *_Lift 15 lbs. frequently/50 lbs. occasionally. Carry 15 lbs. occasionally. Push/Pull force 25lbs frequently, up to 80 lbs._*Reach forward & down frequently/above the shoulders occasionally. Remain on feet (stand or walk) for extended periods of time on tile floors. Handle/grasp up to 80% of a shift, with repetitive hand motions. *Knowledge, Skills and Abilities* * * Required for the first day of work: * Working knowledge of kitchen sanitation, safety & equipment. * Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with co-workers/residents. * Ability to follow instructions. * Ability to effectively communicate with others. * Ability to maintain a clean and safe environment. *Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):* * High School Diploma or Equivalent * One year of job-related experience in food service operations preferred. * * *How to Apply:* To be considered for a DPHHS position, *_submit your application_* on the State of Montana Careers website.work4dphhs.com. Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources at 406-897-6084. *This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.* * * **Title:** *Food Service Worker* **Location:** *Columbia Falls* **Requisition ID:** *24142930*