Job Listing: COOK

Duty Locations

 01 vacancies - Philadelphia Metro area, PA

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VM182126 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

This position is located in the Food Production and Service Section of the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA.  The person in this position will serve as a cook in a 452 bed active, affiliated Medical Cente with a 240 bed Nursing Home Care Unit with a variety of diets. 
Major duties and responsibilities include:

Preparing and cooking a variety of menu items for both regular and modified special diets;
Working with higher graded cook to roast, fry and stew meats, fish and poultry; slicing meats, preparing soups, broths and gravies;
Preparing canned and frozen vegetables for service;
Assisting in the preparation of the entire meal requiring timing and coordination of steps so all food is ready for serving at meal time;
Organizing and assembling foods to be transported from main kitchen to the Nursing Home Care Unit;
Operating, maintaining and cleaning all types of cooking equipment utilizing gas, electricity and steam;
Handling food according to established sanitation regulations and food handling techniques;
Assisting with adjusting recipes according to fluctuating patient census;
Transporting food and supplies to Nursing Home in 1 1/2 ton enclosed truck from main kitchen; and
Performing other related duties as assigned. 
TOUR OF DUTY:  MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Thursday, April 10, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

VM182126

 

1. Title of Job

COOK 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (06) you will accept for this position.

06
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Cook
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0533 Philadelphia Metro area, PA
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. (SCREEN OUT ELEMENT) From the descriptions listed below, select the ONE response that best describes your highest level of experience and/or training related to the position of Cook. Refer to the Duties section of this vacancy announcement for detailed position responsibilities. NOTE: You must support your answer by providing detailed documentation of duties you have performed in positions you have held and/or training you have successfully completed. This information must be included on your resume or OF-612.

A. I have the ability to do the work of a cook without more than normal supervision. I have experience cooking in a hospital or medical center where I prepared regular and modified diets or experience that indicates my ability to perform the duties and maintain all phases of a cook position.
B. I have the ability to do a wide variety of simple cooking tasks without more than normal supervision. I have experience cooking, or assisting a higher-level cook, in a nursing home, university, school, or as a military cook or other experience that indicates my ability to perform the duties and maintain all phases of a cook position.
C. I have the ability to do a limited variety of simple cooking tasks under close supervision which may have included experience cooking in a family restaurant, canteen, or as a short-order cook.
D. I have limited ability as a cook, but feel I could learn the job with proper training.

2. (SCREEN OUT ELEMENT) I have a current, valid drivers license from either Pennsylvania or the state in which I reside.

A. Yes
B. No

Please provide your driver's license number and the State in which it is valid. 

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your knowledge, skill and ability. All A, B, and C answers MUST be supported with examples, explanations or additional information in the space provided or on a separate sheet of paper. Failure to provide adequate information may result in your final rating being reduced. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I am considered an expert, am consulted by others, or have provided training to others in this area.
B- I have above average or superior knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
C- I have average knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
D- I have some knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
E- I have little or no knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.

3. Preparing large quantities of food including modified and special diets

Please provide details of your experience adjusting recipes to produce different yields, and your experience with common, modified diets (i.e., soft, bland, liquid, low caloric, low sodium, and routine diabetic) and unusual or difficult diets (i.e., controlled fat, renal, calcium test, low residue, and allergy diets).

4. Using and caring for tools, utensils and equipment required in quantity food preparation and serving.

Please provide details of your experience using and caring for quantity food preparation tools, utensils and equipment. Include the type(s) of food service tools, utensils, and equipment you have used.

5. Working practices related to the food service area, including cleanliness, neatness, and concern for sanitation.

Please provide details of your knowledge, skills and ability to keep the work areas, equipment, and materials clean, sanitary, neat, and in order.

6. Observing safety rules to avoid injury to myself or others.

Explain your experience in using safety measures that would prevent accidents when performing duties related to food preparation. Describe any scheduled safety training you presented or received and any safety awards you received. Also list accidents within the past five years including dates, state whether at fault and severity.

For the following items, indicate either Yes or No as it pertains to your ability to perform the task.

A- Yes, I have performed this task as part of a job.
B- No, I have not performed this task as part of a job.

7. Coordinating several items with different cooking, defrosting, and/or preparation times, methods, and characteristics.

8. Adjusting standard recipes for the number of servings required.

9. Using simple arithmetic to calculate servings per container.

10. Slicing meat by hand or machine to conform to specific size or weight requirements.

11. Preparing cold food platters.

12. Preparing cold sauces, meat glazes, specialty sauces and salad dressings.

13. Evaluating raw and cooked food for freshness and wholesomeness.

14. Evaluating cooked food for proper texture, color, consistency, and temperature.

15. Identifying spoiled food.

16. Knowledge of food borne illness and food safety.

17. Ordering, issuing, and storing food and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.

18. Maintaining proper serving temperature for all foods during holding, transport, reheating, re-thermalization, and serving.

19. Setting up carts of subsistence for meals in advance, making appropriate date notations.

20. Checking trays for adherence to prescribed diets.

21. Portioning cold foods, such as salads and desserts, according to standardized serving sizes and number of portions required.

For the following items, choose the one statement from the list below that best describes your ability to use and care for kitchen utensils and equipment.

A- I have no training or experience with this item.
B- I have training but no experience with this item.
C- I have experience using this item.
D- I have experience using, caring for, and cleaning this item.
E- I have instructed others on the use, care, and cleaning of this item.

22. Grill.

23. Mixer.

24. Blender.

25. Cutter.

26. Deep fryer.

27. Grinder.

28. Shredder.

29. Slicer.

30. Pressure cooker.

31. Dishwasher.

32. Garbage Disposal.

33. Coffee urn.

34. Stove and oven.

35. Steam table.

36. Utility cart.

37. Scales.

38. Fire extinguisher.

39. Serving utensils.

40. Tray delivery carts.

For the following items, choose the one statement from the list below that best describes your knowledge, skills, and ability.

A- I have no training or experience in this area.
B- I have training but no experience in this area.
C- I have occasionally used my knowledge or ability in this area.
D- I have frequently used my knowledge or ability in this area.
E- I have instructed or directed others in this area.

41. Operating medium-size trucks (1-4 ton).

42. Operating a vehicle equipped with special purpose devices, such as a power lift gate.

43. Utilizing proper loading techniques.

44. Knowledge of blocking and bracing distribution.

45. Knowledge of load limits.

46. Inspecting vehicle for defects.

47. Using additional gearing capabilities.

48. Coordinating braking and shifting controls in descending steep grades.

49. Driving a medium-sized truck on icy roads.

50. Driving a medium-sized truck on snowy roads.

51. Driving a medium-sized truck in normal traffic.

52. Backing a medium-size truck to a loading dock.

53. Parking a 1 ton truck in congested areas.

For the following items, please choose yes or no as it pertains to your safe driving record. Some items may also required additional information or examples which should be provided in the allotted space, or - if you are submitting a hard copy application - on a separate sheet of paper.

A- Yes
B- No

54. Have you committed, and received tickets for, any traffic violations in the past five years? NOTE: A check of police records will be made of all applicants for Federal driving positions.

If yes, please provide the following information for each (do not include parking tickets or any record where you were found not guilty): *the type of violation; *did it occur while on the job; *the month, year, city, county and state; *was your license revoked or suspended? *were you fined? *were you sentenced?

55. Have you been involved in any motor vehicle accidents during the past five years whether it was your fault or not?

If yes, please provide the following information for each: *the kind of accident; *did it occur while on the job; *the month, year, city, county and state; *were you at fault? *describe the charged placed against you; *was your license revoked or suspended? *were you fined? *were you sentenced if yes please explain.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Thursday, April 10, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VM182126), Position Title (COOK), and grade (06/06);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time 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 number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU-COA

Phone: (610)466-2241

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: Coatesville.Deu@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Coatesville
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank you, PA 00000

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.