Director of Food Services

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Functional Title: Director of Food Services Job Title: Mgr II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Food Svs Opers Posting Number: 18318 Closing Date: 07/08/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related Salary Range: $5,745.00- $8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: San Antonio State Hospital Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS Other Locations: San Antonio MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15


Brief Job Description:

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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 Director of Food Services performs moderately complex (journey-level) administrative and supervisory program work for Austin State Hospital's Food Service, Nutrition Services, Canteen and Vending Services departments. Work involves planning, implementation, and managing program goals and objectives, developing program guidelines, policies and procedures, and evaluation of standards for achieving program goals. Monitors and manages program activities, develops and assesses performance improvement activities, develops and is held responsible for program budget and coordinates program activities. Provides effective supervision of assigned staff by planning, assigning, and supervising the work processes. Will prepare and conduct healthy choices and proper food handling programs for patients who participate in cooking classes. Delegates responsibility with commensurate amount of authority and follows up effectively.

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 (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.

Manages day-to-day operations for Food Services, Nutrition, and Vending Services. Ensures that food safety is achieved through adherence to HACCP guidelines and develops and manages training programs as needed. Manages the development and implementation of program guidelines, policies and procedures and ensure adherence to regulations of accreditation authorities. Monitors and evaluates all programs and implements performance improvement as necessary. Provides effective supervision of assigned staff by planning, assigning, and supervising the work processes. Financially responsible for budget control of functions under supervision.. 35%

Identifies areas that require the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated services that ensure desired goals, objectives, and processes are accomplished. Networks with colleagues and other professionals to apply standards of practice through development and implementation of training modules or presentation to groups both inside the facility as well as the community. Develops and implements staff training and skill development to ensure staff competency and compliance with agency standards, policies and procedures. Provides information, leadership, guidance and development opportunities for assigned staff. 20%

Manages and operates the facility Canteen. Determines product mix, resale prices, and hours of operation of the canteen and vending services. Ensures product mix is conducive to healthy diets, salable based on patient surveys and rotated through stock so as not to go beyond expiration dates. Resale prices are set to a "break even" financial bottom line which requires extensive analysis of costs by quantity purchased, cost of warehousing, costs of salaries, supplies and repairs. Is responsible for developing and implementing processes for compliance with regulations for proper storage and serving of food items. 15%

Provides nutritional consultation to the patients' treatment team (psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker and nurse manager) by recommending appropriate dietary needs that will complement medical care. Follows patient progress and makes necessary adjustments as health conditions change. 15%

Participates in brain-storming sessions with other management leadership which result in the development of goals and objectives for their facility's Management Plan. Participates in identifying facility goals, coordinates resources, manages projects and tasks in an effective, accountable and responsible manner. Develops plans while considering all relevant factors, including work group, patients, program goals, agency goals and needs of the community. 10%

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned 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. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in quantity food preparation and service; of food storage and preservation; and of sanitation regulations.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to business function, division, or department areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in the operation, cleaning, and sanitizing of food service appliances and equipment.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and in operating computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to calculate food requirements; to maintain accurate records and inventories; to prepare food service budgets and requisitions; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to manage business functions, division, or department activities; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Texas Food Handlers Certification or obtain certification within two (2) months of employment.

Texas Food Protection Managers Certification or certification within two (2) months of employment.

Food Service Manager Certification or obtain certification within two (2) months of employment.

Registered Dietitian. Licensed Dietitian by the State of Texas. (Preferred)

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three years of work experience in food service, one of which must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

Additional Information:

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

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 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.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.