Food Service Specialist - Emergency Shelter

Lifeworks; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO days

Paid holidays

Medical plan with HSA

Retirement match 50%

Job summary

LifeWorks in Austin, TX, is seeking a Food Service Specialist to join our Emergency Shelter team. The role involves preparing and serving weekday dinners and weekend meals while maintaining sanitary food service operations in line with agency policies.

This full-time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate of $27.70-$29.72/hr based on experience, plus benefits including 24 PTO days yearly, 11 paid holidays, a premium-free medical plan with $100 monthly HSA contribution, and a retirement

Qualifications

• Requires completion of a high school education, or GED.
• Requires 1 year related experience or training in food service operations; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in food and meal planning, preparation, and purchasing.
• Knowledge of DOA, DHR, and City health standards for food service operations and reporting preferred.
• Prior experience serving large groups in a high-volume food service environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with meal planning, procurement and preparation, and storage of supplies.
• Assists in planning daily menus in line with program philosophies and residents’ nutritional needs.
• Interacts and maintain positive relationships with external organizations to procure resources.
• Participates in on-going quality assurance efforts to maintain proper health standards.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and sanitation including inspection and maintenance of all kitchen and food service equipment.
• Practices and upholds health and sanitation standards of the Texas Department of Human Services, and city health codes
• Produces and distributes nutrition and wellness information to clients throughout the Housing Division.
• Facilitates individual and group cooking and meal preparation life skills.
• Utilizes strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient food service operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Client Focus

Collaborates and Adapts

Honors Differences

Nimble Learning

Builds Trust

Action Oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Registered Food Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)

Job description

Job Category: Youth Care Worker

Requisition Number: FOODS002242

• Posted : October 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

South Site
3700 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78704, USA

Description

LifeWorksofAustin, TX is looking for aFood Service Specialist to join our Emergency Shelter team!

The Food Service Specialist is responsible for preparing and serving weekday dinners and weekend meals while maintaining safe, sanitary, and compliant food service operations in accordance with Agency policies and regulatory standards.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $27.70-$29.72/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with meal planning, procurement and preparation, and storage of supplies.
• Assists in planning daily menus in line with program philosophies and residents’ nutritional needs.
• Interacts and maintain positive relationships with external organizations to procure resources.
• Participates in on-going quality assurance efforts to maintain proper health standards.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and sanitation including inspection and maintenance of all kitchen and food service equipment.
• Practices and upholds health and sanitation standards of the Texas Department of Human Services, and city health codes
• Produces and distributes nutrition and wellness information to clients throughout the Housing Division.
• Facilitates individual and group cooking and meal preparation life skills.
• Utilizes strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient food service operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires completion of a high school education, or GED. May require some vocational training;
• Requires 1 years related experience or training in food service operations; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in food and meal planning, preparation, and purchasing.
• Knowledge of DOA, DHR, and City health standards for food service operations and reporting preferred.
• Prior experience serving large groups in a high-volume food service environment preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions.
• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations.
• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.
• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a registered Food Managers Certification or be able to obtain certification within 30 days of employment.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.