Food Service Worker II
About The Position
The Food Service Worker II performs routine, journey-level food service work on a designated shift and rotation in a central kitchen and/or satellite kitchen or serving area. The role involves preparing, portioning, distributing, and serving food for regular and therapeutic diets, as well as sanitizing equipment, work areas, dishes, utensils, pots, and pans. The employee may train other Food Service Workers and must handle food according to federal, state, and HACCP guidelines and follow kitchen and food safety practices. The position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position is based at Vernon State Hospital in Vernon, Texas. It is a full-time, nonexempt role, with a day shift and possible second-shift evenings. Telework is not eligible, and travel may be up to 5%. The position may involve overtime, extended hours, rotating schedules, alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or COOP activation, and may be eligible for additional pay for work performed in maximum-security locations.
Requirements
- Paid or unpaid experience in food service work, or prior paid work experience of any kind.
- 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 required to drive a state vehicle, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
- Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
- Be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
- Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
- Knowledge of food preparation methods, food storage standards, and sanitation regulations.
- Skills in operating and sanitizing food service equipment.
- Ability to prepare and serve food; clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas to facility or department standards; maintain accurate records; speak and read English; follow written and oral instructions; and perform basic math used in cooking and preparation.
- Ability to work harmoniously and productively with co-workers and patients.
Nice To Haves
- Six months of experience in food service work is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing and portioning food for special diets according to food service procedures.
- Prepare scheduled snacks and supplements and maintain the supply of snack items.
- Participate in safe and sanitary food distribution according to food service policies.
- Assist with serving food according to food service procedures.
- Handle food in accordance with food service procedures and state, federal, and HACCP guidelines.
- Receive food and supply deliveries from vendors.
- Prepare required paperwork accurately and on time.
- Follow procedures for sanitation and storage of dishes and food service equipment.
- Clean the kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas according to required sanitation procedures.
- Observe safety procedures and practices.
- Train or assist in training new kitchen employees.
- Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation when needed.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
- Defined benefit pension plan.
- Generous time off benefits.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Potential additional pay for work performed on maximum-security locations.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
