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: Food Service Worker I
Job Title: Food Service Worker I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: DevelopMntl Education
Posting Number: 17706
Closing Date: 07/09/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
Salary Range: $2,403.33 - $3,139.75
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-07
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Wichita Falls State Hospital
Job Location City: WICHITA FALLS
Job Location Address: 6515 KEMP BLVD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 3300,3381,3F1X1,4D0X1,752X,92G,CS,CSS,F&S
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. 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 Food Service Worker I performs routine food service work on a designated shift and rotation in the Central Kitchen and/or at a satellite kitchen/serving area under general supervision. Work involves preparing, portioning, distributing, and serving food for regular and therapeutic diets, and sanitation of equipment, work areas, dishes, utensils, pots, and pans. Other duties may be required which are related to the functions of the position. Maintains sufficient knowledge of duties to satisfy the requirements of the position. Handles food in accordance with federal, state, and hazard analysis and critical control point Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. Follows kitchen and food safety procedures and practices. May be required to drive state vehicle to deliver food to homes. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. May work unusual or extended hours in the event of a disaster or operational necessity.
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.
Prepares and portions food for prescribed diets following food service procedures.
Prepares scheduled snacks and supplements. Maintains supply of snack items.
Participates in the distribution of food in a safe and sanitary manner according to food service policies. May be required to drive on or off campus to deliver food on campus and/or pick up food from a local vendor.
Assists in serving food by following food service procedures.
Follows proper food handling in accordance with food service procedures, state, federal, and HACCP guidelines.
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.
Observes safety procedures and practices.
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.
Skill in the operation and sanitizing of food service equipment.
Ability to prepare and serve food, to clean dining, serving, and food preparation areas according to hospital/department standards, 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/preparation.
Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds.
Ability to bend and reach, stand/walk on hard floors for extended period 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.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must have or be able to attain Food Handler’s Card within 60 days of employment at state’s cost
Initial Screening Criteria:
Six months paid work experience.
Experience in food service work preferred.
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 1-888-894-4747. 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.
