Cook II

Texas Health and Human Services; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) invites applications for a Cook II at the El Paso State Supported Living Center. This full-time, day-shift position supports dietary services by preparing and portioning meals, adhering to dietary needs and safety standards.

You will operate in the Central Kitchen or satellite area, maintain sanitation, train staff, and ensure timely delivery of meals. Weekend and holiday work may be required; a Texas driver's license is preferred and

Qualifications

• Experience in food service work or a high school diploma equivalent.
• Knowledge of food preparation methods and sanitation.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds and stand/walk for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift.
• Assists in preparation and portioning of food for special diets.
• Distributes and serves food safely following policies.
• Trains or assists in training new food service employees.
• Follows HACCP guidelines and sanitation procedures.

Skills

Food prep methods

Sanitation standards

English literacy

Basic math in cooking

Lift 25 pounds

Stand/walk extended periods

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Date: Aug 18, 2026

Location: EL PASO, 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: 20229

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

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

Additional Shift: Evenings (Second)

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: El Paso State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: EL PASO

Job Location Address: 6700 DELTA DR

Other Locations: El Paso

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 Food Service Worker II performs moderately complex food service work on a designated shift & rotation in the Central Kitchen and/or at a satellite kitchen/serving area under general supervision. Work involves preparing, portioning, distributing and serving food for regular & therapeutic diets, and sanitation of equipment, work areas, dishes, utensils, pots and pans. Other duties may be required which are related to the functions of the positions. May train and oversee other Food Service workers. Maintain sufficient knowledge of duties to satisfy the requirements of the position. Handle food in accordance with federal, state and HACCP guidelines. Follow kitchen and food safety procedures and practices. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. May be required to work unusual or extended hours.

May be required to drive state vehicle to deliver food to homes.

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.
• Completes required training per policy.
• Assists in the preparation and portioning of food for special diets following food service procedures.
• Prepares scheduled snacks and supplements. Maintains supply of snack items.
• Participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to food service policies.
• Assists in serving food by following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance to food service procedures, state, federal and HACCP guidelines.
• Receives delivery of food and supplies from vendors, as assigned.
• Prepares necessary paperwork in timely and correct manner.
• 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.
• Trains or assists in training new food service employees to assure a knowledgeable staff.
• 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 Plan (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 according to facility/department standards, and to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to use 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 periods 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

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is preferred. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

One of the following is required:

• Paid or unpaid experience in food service work; or
• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent; or
• Some work experience.

Preferred

6 months experience in food service work 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). 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. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. 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.

Nearest Major Market: El Paso