Cook III

Overview

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 III
Job Title: Cook III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Food Service
Posting Number: 12079
Closing Date: 03/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13
Salary Range: $3,446.25-$4,365.66
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
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:

Richmond State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: RICHMOND
Job Location Address: 2100 PRESTON
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: ,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S,SN

The Cook III performs advanced (senior-level) technical food production tasks and provides shift leadership and direction to others during the preparation, seasoning, cooking, assembly and service of meals for individuals who live at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Responsibilities include overseeing food preparation, portioning, distributing and serving food for regular and modified diets and textures; ensuring food handling per federal and state guidelines;

reviewing menus; serving as a shift leader; ensuring adherence to menus, recipes, standards, and reports; inspection of sanitation and safety; monitoring inventories and records of food consumption; reporting equipment or supply needs; providing guidance, training and direction to subordinates; and making recommendations to improve operating efficiency. Other duties as assigned may include work in the ingredient room, facility canteen, or driving the delivery vehicle.

May require unusual or extended hours in disaster or operational scenarios.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs) include attending work on a regular basis, reviewing menus, testing and adjusting recipes, calculating food requirements, leading others, ensuring safety and sanitation, training staff, operating and maintaining equipment, inventory management, and coordinating with supervisors.

Other duties include participating in disaster response and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) as needed, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

• Knowledge of food preparation methods, storage standards and sanitation regulations.
• Knowledge of specialized diets and textures.
• Skill in cooking and baking and in using food preparation appliances and equipment (e.g., slicers, mixers, grinders, food processors).
• Skill in operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
• Skill in preparing large quantities of food per diet and texture guidelines.
• Skill in interpreting and following recipes.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to serve food, clean dining and food preparation areas, and maintain records.
• Ability to speak and read English; follow written and oral instructions; perform basic math used in cooking.
• Physical ability to lift at least 25 pounds; bend, reach, stand/walk on hard floors for extended periods; work in hot/cold conditions; smell, taste, and see.
• Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and residents; guide, train and oversee others in food preparation and sanitation; work well under pressure with time constraints; weigh, measure, mix and prepare ingredients.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Driver's License and eligible driving record per HHSC policy. Out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record or obtain a Texas license.
• Texas requires food handler training for all individuals in Texas food service establishments;
  Food Manager/Protection Manager Certification required within six months of hire.

• One year of food preparation experience; experience with hot and cold food preparation preferred.
• Six months experience cooking in a health care food service operation preferred.
• Experience guiding or overseeing others preferred.
• Standard high school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Applicants must pass fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and LEIE).
• Males 18-25 must be registered with Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Flexibility in work hours; may work overtime, weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years…