Food Service Worker II

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Vernon, TX seeks a dedicated Food Service Worker II to prepare, portion, and serve meals in the central or satellite kitchens. You’ll follow health and safety standards, support special diets, and help train new staff as part of a team dedicated to compassionate care.

This regular full-time role offers day shifts with occasional evenings, a monthly salary range shown in the posting, and benefits including health insurance for eligible

Qualifications

• Paid or unpaid experience in food service; 6 months preferred.
• Must possess or obtain a food safety certification within six months.
• High attention to hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion food for regular and therapeutic diets.
• Train new kitchen staff and maintain sanitation of areas and equipment.
• Assist in serving food and following safety procedures.
• Follow HACCP guidelines and document required paperwork.

Skills

Food preparation methods

Food storage & sanitation

Sanitizing equipment

English proficiency

Basic math in cooking

Teamwork

Education

Food safety certification

Job description

Date: Oct 19, 2026

Location: VERNON, TX

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 II

Job Title

Food Service Worker II

Agency

Health & Human Services Comm

Department

Food Svs Opers

Posting Number

22448

Closing Date

11/02/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Food Preparation and Serving Related

Salary Range

$2,639.75 - $3,404.91

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-A-09

Shift

Day

Additional Shift

Evenings (Second)

Telework

Not Eligible for Telework

Travel

Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full Time / Part Time

Full time

FLSA Exempt / Non-Exempt

Nonexempt

Facility Location

Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City

VERNON

Job Location Address

4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations

Vernon

MOS Codes

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

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 II performs routine (journey-level) food service work on a designated shift and rotation in the central kitchen and/or at a satellite kitchen/ serving area. 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 responsibilities include, but are not limited to, training other Food Service Workers; handling food in accordance with federal, state, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines; following kitchen and food safety procedures and practices. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

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.
• Assists in the preparation and portioning of food for special 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.
• Assists in serving food by following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, state, federal and HACCP guidelines.
• Receives delivery of food and supplies from vendors.
• Prepares necessary paperwork in timely and correct manner.
• 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.
• Trains or assists in training new kitchen employees to assure a knowledgeable staff.
• 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
• Knowledge of food storage standards and sanitation regulations
• Skills in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
• Ability to prepare and serve food.
• Ability to clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas according to facility/department standards.
• Ability 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 work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and patients.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must possess or be willing to obtain a food safety certification (ServSafe, Learn to Serve, or Food Protection Manager) within the first six months of employment.

If this position is required to drive, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

Paid or unpaid experience in food service work; or

Prior Paid Work Experience Of Any Kind Required.

6 months 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 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: Wichita Falls