Evening Cook - FULL TIME

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION; Texas; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION in Texas seeks a Cook II at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center to prepare and serve meals for residents, including regular and modified diets, ensuring safety and sanitary standards.

The role provides guidance to kitchen staff, operates food service equipment, and follows recipes and menus while maintaining records. A Texas food handler certification and background checks are required; weekend/holiday availability may be needed.

Qualifications

• Requires Texas food handler training and Food Manager certification within six months.
• Driver’s license and eligible driving record.
• 6 months of food preparation work required.
• 6 months experience cooking in a health care food service operation preferred.
• Must pass fingerprint background check and pre-employment screenings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, season, cook and assemble food for regular and modified diets.
• Provide guidance, training and oversight to kitchen staff.
• Operate and maintain food service equipment safely.
• Deliver and serve meals, including special diets, to residents.
• Maintain sanitation and record-keeping for meals and equipment.

Skills

Cooking

Food preparation

Sanitation

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Slicers

Mixers

Grinders

Food processors

Job description

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. 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.

Department: Food Service

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Facility Location: San Angelo State Supported Living Center

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

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. 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. 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.

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.

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. 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 including but 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 of food preparation methods, of food storage standards and sanitation regulations.

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.

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 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

Driver’s License and eligible driving record based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.