Cook II

Texas Health and Human Services; Brenham (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance for full‑t‑

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Cook II position at the Brenham State Supported Living Center in Brenham, TX, handles the preparation and cooking of meals for residents, including modified diets, while upholding safety and sanitary standards.

The role provides guidance to subordinates, participates in training, maintains records, and supports daily meal service and quality control to ensure consistent nutrition and resident well‑being.

Qualifications

• 6 months of food preparation experience required.
• Healthcare food service experience preferred.
• Texas food handler training and Food Manager certification within 6 months.
• Valid Texas driver’s license may be required to drive a state vehicle.
• Must be 18+ and pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, season, cook and assemble food for regular and modified diets.
• Operate and maintain food service equipment safely.
• Calculate quantities using standardized menus to ensure adequate meals.
• Distribute and serve food while following sanitation procedures.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff and report equipment needs.
• Complete records and assist in improving operational efficiency.

Skills

Food preparation

Dietary modifications

Cooking and baking

Food safety

English literacy

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Date: Sep 30, 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 II

Job Title: Cook II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Food Service

Posting Number: 21993

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range: $2,904.91 - $3,946.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-11

Shift: Day

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!

The Cook II performs complex technical food service production tasks and is responsible for preparing, cooking, portioning, distributing and serving food of for regular and modified food diets and textures. This position provides guidance, training and oversight to subordinates and is integral to both quality of life and safety of residents. SSLC management has identified the need to establish this position as a benchmark audit as part of the ongoing effort to establish better consistency in the classification, compensation, duties, and responsibilities of positions. Furthermore, it will provide the option to quickly create and/or reclassify cook positions to this benchmark, which may assist in filling currently vacant cook positions and will provide an additional resource for training and guiding the work of kitchen staff.

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, 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 portions food for special diets and modified textures following food service procedures in order to meet guidelines set forth by doctor's 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. Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment and for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.
• Guides, trains and oversees others in food preparation, meal assembly and service, equipment usage, and food service sanitation and safety procedures. Trains subordinates in the proper use and safety of food service equipment to reduce the risk of employee injury and equipment breakage.
• 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 designed 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 transmits 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.
• 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.