Assistant Cook; Office​/On-site TC-

Introduction

Elevate your career in healthcare food service! The State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is seeking a qualified and experienced Assistant Cook to join our kitchen operations. This role focuses on basic meal preparation and efficient tray line service to provide essential nutrition to Veterans.

• Department:
  Food Service
• Location:
  
  Rocky Hill, CT
• Work Hours:
  
  11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Work Schedule:
  
  Wednesday through Sunday (Mondays & Tuesdays off)
• Weekend differential eligible

• Comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview
• Endless opportunities for professional growth and development
• Healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees

• Participate in tray line service, ensuring timely and accurate meal assembly for patients and residents with varying dietary requirements
• Prepare and plate meals for Veterans in the dining hall and assist with meal delivery to the healthcare center
• Ensure hot and cold foods are stored and served at appropriate temperatures
• Support all aspects of food service and ensure smooth, efficient operations
• Adhere to all kitchen protocols, including food safety, sanitation, and dietary compliance
• Perform related duties as required

For over 140 years the State of Connecticut DVA has been caring for its Veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." Our Rocky Hill campus includes residential facilities and the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center, where the food service team provides meals to Veterans in both supportive living and long‑term care settings.

"Working in the Food Service department at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our team is dedicated to upholding the DVA motto, 'Serving Those Who Served,' by providing high-quality, nutritious meals that offer both comfort and care. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where our veterans feel honored and appreciated. The dedication and passion of our food service staff are evident in every meal, and it’s an honor to contribute to the well‑being of those who have served our country."

– Kelsey Postl, Director of Food Services

• Perform a variety of basic tasks in preparing soups, salads, meats, vegetables, desserts, beverages, and other nourishers.
• Clean, wash, polish pots, pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen equipment, floors, and walls.
• Operate kitchen machines and equipment.
• Assist with the receiving, storage, and labeling of food.
• Participate in serving food and packing food for delivery.
• Receive training in large‑scale food preparation, and prepare food in the absence of the cook as needed.
• Assist in the preparation of production records.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Knowledge of simple food preparation, liquid and dry weights, and measures.
• Interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn routines.
• Mathematical ability.

Any experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above.

• Experience providing customer service.
• Experience working in a large‑scale institutional setting.
• Experience with food safety standards.
• Experience using basic kitchen equipment (knives, peelers, mixers, kettles, flattops).
• Experience with food preparation.

• Adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and visual and auditory acuity to perform duties.
• Must be free from communicable diseases.
• A physical examination may be required.

May be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to risk of injury from kitchen equipment and utensils, and from patients/clients.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.