Cook

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:
  
  Cook I
• Job Title: Cook I
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Food Svs Opers
• Posting Number: 11188
• Closing Date: 02/10/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-09
• Salary Range: $2,639.75 - $3,404.91
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First);
  Evenings (Second);
  Nights (Third);
  Weekends
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 20%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Nonexempt
• Facility
  
  Location:
  
  Big Spring State Hospital
• Job Location City: BIG SPRING
• Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87
• Other Locations: Big Spring
• MOS Codes: ,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S,SN

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 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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state‑supported living centers. The 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 Cook I performs routine (journey level) food preparation work at the state hospital. Work involves preparing, cooking, portioning, distributing, and serving food for regular and therapeutic diets and textures. Follows prescribed menus, recipes, standards, and completes necessary reports. Responsible for sanitation of equipment and work areas. Works in the ingredient room or drives the delivery vehicle as required. Maintains sufficient knowledge to satisfy the requirements of the job.

Handles food in accordance with federal, state, and Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. Follows kitchen and food service safety procedures and practices. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned, including active participation or serving in a supporting role for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation;

such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

• 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 special diets following food service procedures.
• May be required to prepare scheduled snacks & supplements and maintains supply of snack items.
• Prepares and participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to the food service policies.
• May be required to assist in serving food for special diets following food service procedures.
• Follows proper food handling in accordance to food service procedures, state, federal, and HACCP guidelines.
• May be required to receive delivery of food and supplies from…