Cook I

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: 20177
Closing Date: 10/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
Salary Range: $2,639.75- $3,404.91
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-09
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
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: 3300,3381,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S,SN

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 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. 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

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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. 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 and 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 vendors.

Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment.

Follows required sanitation procedures for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and satellite areas.

Follows safety procedures and practices.

Works in the hospital canteen and handles cash in a safe and secure manner to protect the interest of each patient and the State of Texas as required.

Maintains work areas in a sanitary and organized manner.

When required, answer telephone promptly and transmit messages in a clear, concise, and positive manner.

Completes required training per policy.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of food preparation methods, of food storage standards and sanitation regulations

Skills in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.

Ability to prepare and serve food, clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas, and maintain accurate records.

Ability to speak and read English.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to complete basic math used in cooking/preparation.

Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds.

Ability to bend reach, stand, and walk on hard floors for extended period.

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 patients.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

If required to drive a state vehicle, 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’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Twelve (12) months’ experience cooking food in service operation.

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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

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 aiapply.co. 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.