Cook III

Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Cook III, you will play a crucial role in preparing and serving nutritious meals, ensuring quality and safety for residents. This position offers a fulfilling career in a supportive environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Retirement Annuity

Loan Forgiveness Program

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food preparation and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve food for various diets.
• Guide and train staff in food preparation and equipment use.
• Maintain sanitation of assigned areas and food service equipment.

Skills

Food Preparation

Sanitation Regulations

Cooking Skills

Ability to Follow Instructions

Basic Math

Tools

Food Preparation Appliances

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.

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity, as well as (k) and other programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

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 III 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. 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 for audit purposes, aiming to improve consistency in classification, compensation, duties, and responsibilities. Additionally, it facilitates the creation and reclassification of cook positions to this benchmark, assisting in filling vacancies and enhancing training resources.

Essential Job Functions :

1. Attend work regularly and may be required to work specific or rotating shifts, extended hours, and overtime in accordance with agency policies.
2. Prepare, season, cook, and assemble food for various diets using proper equipment and utensils, ensuring sanitary conditions. Follow food service procedures for special diets and modified textures as per doctor's orders. Prepare scheduled snacks and maintain supply of snack items. Follow Central Kitchen Operation Manual Procedures and ensure proper food handling in compliance with guidelines.
3. Operate and maintain food service equipment safely. Provide guidance, training, and oversight to others in equipment use and safety.
4. Calculate proper food quantities using standardized menus and recipes to ensure adequate supply and accurate meal delivery, minimizing call-backs.
5. Distribute food safely and hygienically, including driving delivery vehicles when needed. Serve food, including for special diets, following established procedures.
6. Maintain and inspect sanitation of assigned areas, including cleaning equipment, proper food handling, storage, and disposal of leftovers. Follow sanitation and storage procedures for dishes and food service equipment.
7. Guide, train, and oversee staff in food preparation, meal assembly, service, equipment usage, and sanitation. Train subordinates in the safe use of food service equipment to reduce injury and damage.
8. Complete records and reports such as equipment work orders and subordinate notes. Report equipment repairs, supply needs, and suggest operational improvements.
9. Perform other duties to support overall food service operations, including working in the facility canteen, ingredient room, receiving deliveries, and handling communications efficiently.
10. Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, which may require shift or location changes.

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

• Knowledge of food preparation, storage standards, and sanitation regulations.
• Knowledge of specialized diets and textures.
• Skill in cooking, baking, and using food preparation appliances such as slicers, mixers, grinders, and food processors.
• Skill in operating and sanitizing food service equipment.
• Skill in preparing large quantities of food following diet and texture guidelines.
• Skill in interpreting and following recipes.
• Ability to serve food, clean dining and food prep areas, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform basic math related to cooking and preparation.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, stand, and walk on hard floors for extended periods.
• Ability to work in hot and cold conditions.
• Ability to smell, taste, and see.
• Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and residents.
• Ability to guide, train, and oversee others in food prep, equipment use, and sanitation.