Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.
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.
Standard hours shift: 5:30am-1:30pm or 11:00am-7:00pm.
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:
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 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 to 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 Abilities:
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.

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

Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in food service work preferred but not required.
Prior paid work experience.

Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.
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, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.
COVID-19 Precaution(s):
Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees
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 of 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.
If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

MOS Code:
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate… to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 92G, CS, FS, 3300, 4D0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.