Cook III

Texas Health and Human Services; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Time off

Career growth

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) invites applications for the Cook III position at Big Spring State Hospital in Big Spring, TX. This role prepares, cooks, portions, distributes, and serves meals for regular and modified diets, ensuring safety and quality in patient meals.

As a full-time on-site employee, you will supervise junior staff, follow kitchen procedures, and participate in disaster response and COOP readiness as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospital food service production.
• Ability to lead and train subordinates.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or rotating schedule.
• Prepares, seasons, cooks, and assembles food for regular and modified diets according to doctor orders.

Job description

Date: Aug 18, 2026

Location: BIG SPRING, 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 III

Job Title: Cook III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Food Svs Opers

Posting Number: 20170

Closing Date: 10/17/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range: $3,446.25 - $4,365.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Big Spring State Hospital

Job Location City: BIG SPRING

Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87

Other Locations: Big Spring

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

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Cook III performs complex (journey-level) 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 patients.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

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