Cook II

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 36,828 - 44,037; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is hiring a Cook II to perform complex food service tasks including preparing, cooking, and serving food for residents. This full-time position involves maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene while guiding subordinates.

Located in Austin, TX, the role offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans. Candidates should have food preparation experience and be familiar with specific dietary needs.

Qualifications

• 6 months of food preparation work is required.
• 6 months experience cooking in a health care food service operation is preferred.
• Texas Food Manager certification is required within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve food for regular diets.
• Maintain a sanitary kitchen and handle food per guidelines.
• Assist in training and guiding subordinates in food preparation.

Skills

Food preparation methods

Knowledge of sanitation regulations

Skill in cooking and baking

Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Food preparation appliances

Food service equipment

Job description

Date: Jun 9, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, 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.

Job Details

Functional Title: Cook II

Job Title: Cook II

Agency: Health & Human Services Commission

Department: Food Service

Posting Number: 17829

Closing Date: 09/07/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range: $3,300.00 - $3,946.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-11

Shift: Day

Telework: Not Eligible

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST

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

Brief Job Description

The Cook II performs complex technical food service production tasks and is responsible for preparing, cooking, portioning, distributing, and serving food for regular and modified diets and textures. The position provides guidance, training, and oversight to subordinates and is integral to both quality of life and safety of residents.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Prepares, seasons, cooks and assembles food for regular and modified diets using proper equipment and utensils and in a manner that ensures sanitary conditions. Prepares and portion food for special diets and modified textures following food service procedures in order to meet guidelines set forth by doctors’ orders. Prepare scheduled snacks and supplements. Maintains a supply of snack items.
• Follows Central Kitchen Operation Manual Procedures and ensures others follow proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, state and federal guidelines.
• Operates and maintains all food service equipment in a safe manner. Provides guidance, training and oversight to others to operate and maintain food service equipment in a safe manner.
• Calculates proper amounts of food to prepare and deliver to the designated food service areas by using a standardized menu and recipe to ensure an adequate supply of food, to reduce the number of call backs from food service areas, and in order to provide accurate meals to residents.
• Prepares and participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to the food service policies, including driving a delivery vehicle when needed. When needed, serves food, including for special diets, following food service procedures.
• Maintains and inspects assigned areas for sanitation to include cleaning equipment, utilizing proper food handling and preparation techniques and assembly and service procedures, and storing and utilizing leftovers properly.
• Guides, trains and oversees others in food preparation, meal assembly and service, equipment usage, and food service sanitation and safety procedures.
• Completes required records and reports such as equipment work orders, document notes on the subordinate cooks, reports kitchen equipment in need of repair or replacement, or supplies needed using the designated protocol. Assists in making recommendations to improve operational efficiency to the designated supervisor.
• Performs other duties to ensure overall operational functions of the food service department such as: working in the facility canteen (as applicable) which involves handling cash in a safe and secure manner to protect the interest of each resident and the State of Texas, working in the ingredient room, receiving delivery of food and supplies from vendors, and answering the telephone promptly and transmitting messages in a clear, concise, and positive manner.
• 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.
• Knowledge of specialized diets and textures.
• Skill in cooking and baking and in the use and care of food preparation appliances and equipment such as slicers, mixers, grinders, food processors, etc.
• Skill in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
• Skill in the preparation of large quantities of food following specific guidelines for diet and textures.
• Skill in interpreting and following recipes.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to guide, train and oversee the work of others in food preparation, equipment uses and sanitization.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

• Position may be required to drive a State vehicle and require a valid Texas driver’s license.
• 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.
• Texas requires food handler training for all individuals working in Texas food service establishments. In addition, Texas Food Manager certification, or Food Protection Manager Certification is required within six (6) months of hire for employees working in this position.

Initial Screening Criteria

• 6 months of food preparation work is required.
• 6 months experience cooking in a health care food service operation is preferred.
• Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent is preferred.

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.

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 online 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin