Food Service Worker I

Texas Health and Human Services; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Food Service Worker I position at San Antonio State Hospital supports meal preparation, portioning, serving, and sanitation across the Central Kitchen and satellite kitchens. Under supervision, you will follow diet plans and safety guidelines to ensure timely service for regular and therapeutic diets.

Youll assist with dishwashing, storage, and cleaning; maintain records as required; and help with occasional driving of state vehicles to deliver food.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service work preferred but not required.
• Must have or be able to attain Food Handler’s Card within 60 days of employment at state’s cost.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly and adheres to shift schedules.
• Prepares and portions food for prescribed diets.
• Distributes and serves food; maintains sanitation of utensils, dishes, and prep areas.
• May drive state vehicle to deliver food on campus or nearby locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including disaster response or COOP activation.

Skills

Food handling

Food preparation

Sanitation

English literacy

Basic math

Lifting 25 lbs

Education

Food Handler’s Card

Tools

Cooking equipment

Job description

Job Details

• Date: Sep 23, 2026
• Location: SAN ANTONIO, TX
• Functional Title: Food Service Worker I
• Job Title: Food Service Worker I
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Food Svs Opers
• Posting Number: 21742
• Closing Date: 10/23/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
• Salary Range: $2,403.33 - $3,139.75
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-07
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second)
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
• Facility Location: San Antonio State Hospital
• Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO
• Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS
• Other Locations: San Antonio
• MOS Codes: 3300,3381,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S

Benefits

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.

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 Food Service Worker I performs routine food service work on a designated shift and 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 and 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 position. Maintains sufficient knowledge of duties to satisfy the requirements of the position. Handles food in accordance with federal, state, and hazard analysis and critical control point Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. Follows kitchen and food safety procedures and practices. May be required to drive state vehicle to deliver food to homes. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. May work unusual or extended hours in the event of a disaster or operational necessity.

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 asked 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 and portions food for prescribed 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. May be required to drive on or off campus to deliver food on campus and/or pick up food from a local vendor.
• Assists in serving food by following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, state, federal, and HACCP guidelines.
• 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.
• Completes required training per policy.
• 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.

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 hospital/department standards, and to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to complete 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 period 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

Must have or be able to attain Food Handler’s Card within 60 days of employment at state’s cost.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience in food service work preferred but not required.

One Of The Following Is Required

• Paid or unpaid experience in food service work; or
• Some work experience.

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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. 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

San Antonio