Food Service Worker

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This position is responsible for setting up the serving line by gathering the necessary utensils, food, and supplies. It involves preparing meal trays by portioning the appropriate food from serving pans, loading trays or food pans into carts, and delivering them to the designated locations. After meals, the role includes returning carts and trays to the kitchen, preparing beverages, cleaning carts and trash containers, and maintaining cleanliness by sweeping, mopping floors, wiping tables, and sanitizing steam carts.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed.

• Performs food service work using proper food preparation, handling, and sanitation methods and techniques in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures promoting nutrition, health, and safety of clients.


• Sets up serving line by gathering utensils, food, and supplies needed for the serving process.


• Prepares meal trays by placing the correct portion of appropriate foods from serving pots or pans onto each tray.


• Loads completed meal trays or food pans into carts, delivers loaded carts to the proper location, and returns carts and trays to the kitchen after individuals have completed meals.


• Assists cooks by opening cans, slicing and chopping food items, preparing beverages, and making sandwiches or bulk salads.


• Cleans and disinfects a variety of surfaces, areas, and equipment such as meal carts, kitchen appliances, tables, and counters; sweeps and mops floors; empties trash containers; and performs other related duties to ensure the food preparation and serving areas are clean and sanitary.


• Uses brooms, wet or dry mops, sponges, pails or buckets, and mixtures of water and chemical solutions or disinfectant.


• Performs all phases of the dishwashing process.


• Maintains various records on work performed which may include using automated information systems and computer software to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve, or report on data.


• Completes and maintains competency in required training.


• Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.


• Performs other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Food Service Worker
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of record keeping.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.