Food Service Worker I

Texas.gov - State of Texas Official Website; Terrell (TX); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a prominent health services agency focused on improving the lives of Texans. As a Food Service Worker I, you will play a vital role in preparing and serving meals, ensuring adherence to strict food safety and sanitation standards. This position offers a supportive work environment with a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid health insurance for full-time employees. With opportunities for career advancement, you can make a significant impact in your community while enjoying a rewarding career in food service. If you are passionate about serving others and thrive in a collaborative setting, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have or be able to attain Food Handler's Card within 60 days.
• Six months paid work experience in food service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food for regular and therapeutic diets.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and food service equipment.
• Follow food safety procedures and guidelines.

Skills

Food preparation methods

Food storage standards

Sanitation regulations

Basic math skills

Ability to lift 25 pounds

Ability to work in hot/cold conditions

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to work harmoniously with others

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Food service equipment

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. 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: Food Service Worker I

Job Title: Food Service Worker I

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Food Svs Opers

Posting Number: 4565

Closing Date: 05/31/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-07

Salary Range: $2,403.33 - $3,139.75

Shift: Day

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Terrell State Hospital

Job Location City: TERRELL

Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN

Brief Job Description:

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 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. 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.
2. Prepares and portions food for prescribed diets following food service procedures.
3. Prepares scheduled snacks and supplements. Maintains supply of snack items.
4. 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.
5. Assists in serving food by following food service procedures.
6. Follows proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, state, federal, and HACCP guidelines.
7. Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment.
8. Follows required sanitation procedures for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.
9. Observes safety procedures and practices.
10. Completes required training per policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of food preparation methods, of food storage standards, and sanitation regulations.
2. Skill in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
3. Ability to prepare and serve food, to clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas according to hospital/department standards, and to maintain accurate records.
4. Ability to speak and read English.
5. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
6. Ability to complete basic math used in cooking/preparation.
7. Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds.
8. Ability to bend and reach, stand/walk on hard floors for extended period of time.
9. Ability to work in hot and/or cold conditions.
10. Ability to smell, taste, and see.
11. 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:

Six months paid work experience. Experience in food service work preferred.

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 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.

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.

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.