Cook III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Waco, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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 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 III performs complex (journey-level) technical food service production tasks and is responsible for preparing, cooking, portioning, distributing, and serving food for regular and modified food diets and textures. This position provides guidance, training, and oversight to subordinates and is integral to both quality of life and safety of patients.

Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. 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 be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Requirements

• Knowledge of food preparation methods, food storage standards, and sanitation regulations.
• Knowledge of specialized diets and textures.
• Skill in cooking and baking and in the use and care of food preparation appliances and equipment such as slicers, mixers, grinders, food processors, etc.
• Skill in the operation and sanitization of food service equipment.
• Skill in the preparation of large quantities of food following specific guidelines for diet and textures.
• Skill in interpreting and following recipes.
• Ability to serve food, to clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas, 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/food preparation.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend/reach and stand/walk on hard floors for extended periods 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.
• Ability to guide, train, and oversee the work of others in food preparation, equipment uses, and sanitization.
• 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 license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Twenty-four (24) months' work experience in a food service operation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Food Safety (ServSafe, Learn to Serve, or Food Protection Manager) preferred, or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, seasons, cooks, and assembles food for regular and modified diets using proper equipment and utensils and in a manner that ensures sanitary conditions.
• Prepares and portions food for special diets and modified textures following food service procedures in order to meet guidelines set forth by doctor's orders.
• Prepares scheduled snacks and supplements.
• Maintains a supply of snack items.
• Follows Central Kitchen Operation Manual Procedures and ensures others follow proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, and state and federal guidelines.
• Operates and maintains all food service equipment in a safe manner.
• Calculates proper amounts of food to prepare and deliver to designated food service areas by using a standardized menu and recipe to ensure an adequate supply of food, to reduce the number of call backs from food service areas, and in order to provide accurate meals to residents.
• Prepares and participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to food service policies, including driving a delivery vehicle when needed.
• Serves food, including for special diets, following food service procedures.
• Maintains and inspects assigned areas for sanitation to include cleaning equipment, utilizing proper food handling and preparation techniques and assembly and service procedures, and storing and utilizing leftovers properly.
• Follows procedures for sanitization and storage of the dishes and food service equipment, and for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.
• Guides, trains, and oversees others in food preparation, meal assembly and service, equipment usage, and food service sanitation and safety procedures.
• Completes required records and reports, such as equipment work orders, and documents notes on the subordinate cooks.
• Reports kitchen equipment in need of repair or replacement or supplies needed using the designated protocol.
• Assists in making recommendations to improve operational efficiency to the designated supervisor.
• 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed