Cook I

Texas Health and Human Services; Brenham (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) – Brenham State Supported Living Center is seeking a Cook I to prepare and portion food for residents, maintain sanitary kitchen areas, and follow HACCP guidelines. The role involves rotating shifts, potential overtime, and adherence to state policies.

The position requires high school completion, ability to lift 25 pounds, and dependable attendance. You’ll work in a team to ensure meals meet dietary needs and safety standards, with opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation work.
• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Prepares food using proper equipment and utensils and in a manner that ensures sanitary conditions.
• Prepares and portions food for special diets following food service procedures.
• May be required to prepare scheduled snacks & supplements. Maintains supply of snack items.
• May be required to supervise assigned employees in all areas of food preparation, delivery, sanitation, safety and personal hygiene.
• Prepares and participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to the food service policies.
• May be required to assist in serving food for special diets and following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance to food service procedures, state, federal and HACCP guidelines.
• May be required to receive delivery of food and supplies from vendors.
• Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment.
• Follows required sanitation procedures for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.
• Observes safety procedures and practices.
• May Be Required To Supervise/train Others In Food Preparation.
• May work in the facility canteen and be required to handle cash in a safe and secure manner to protect the interest of each resident and the State of Texas.
• Maintains work areas in a sanitary and organized manner.
• When required, answer telephone promptly and transmit messages in a clear, concise, and positive manner.
• Completes required training per policy.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Skills

Food preparation knowledge

Equipment operation & sanitation

English language

Basic math for cooking

Physical stamina

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Reading and following instructions

Lifting 25+ pounds

Adaptability to shifts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Date: Jul 31, 2026

Location:

BRENHAM, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• a defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement and more

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Cook I

Job Title: Cook I

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Food Service

Posting Number: 19556

Closing Date: 08/30/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range: $2,639.75 - $3,404.91

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-09

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Brenham State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: BRENHAM

Job Location Address: 4001 S HWY 36

MOS Codes: 3300,3381,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S,SN

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Prepares food using proper equipment and utensils and in a manner that ensures sanitary conditions.
• Prepares and portions food for special diets following food service procedures.
• May be required to prepare scheduled snacks & supplements. Maintains supply of snack items.
• May be required to supervise assigned employees in all areas of food preparation, delivery, sanitation, safety and personal hygiene.
• Prepares and participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to the food service policies.
• May be required to assist in serving food for special diets and following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance to food service procedures, state, federal and HACCP guidelines.
• May be required to receive delivery of food and supplies from vendors.
• Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment.
• Follows required sanitation procedures for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.
• Observes safety procedures and practices.
• May Be Required To Supervise/train Others In Food Preparation.
• May work in the facility canteen and be required to handle cash in a safe and secure manner to protect the interest of each resident and the State of Texas.
• Maintains work areas in a sanitary and organized manner.
• When required, answer telephone promptly and transmit messages in a clear, concise, and positive manner.
• Completes required training per policy.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of food preparation methods, of food storage standards and sanitation regulations.
• Skill in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
• Ability to prepare and serve food, to clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas, and to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to complete basic math used in cooking/preparation.
• Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend and reach, stand/walk on hard floors for extended period of time.
• Ability to work in hot and/or cold conditions.
• Ability to smell, taste, and see.
• Ability to work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and residents.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Position may be required to drive and require a valid Driver’s License and eligible driving record based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure or obtain a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience in food preparation work. Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.