Food Service Worker II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The Food Service Worker II performs routine (journey-level) food service work on a designated shift and rotation in the central kitchen and/or a satellite kitchen serving area. 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 responsibilities include, but are not limited to, training other Food Service Workers; handling food according to federal, state, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines; following kitchen and food safety procedures and practices—working under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule according to the agency leave policy, and 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):

1. Assists in preparing and portioning food for special diets following food service procedures. Follows all standardized menus & recipes, production & loading sheets. Ensures textures & modified diets are prepared correctly using standardized recipes & menus. Completes all prep work as assigned & within production timelines. Informs management if items to be ready are of questionable quality or safety. 20%

2. Prepares scheduled snacks and supplements. Maintains a supply of snack items. Prepares solid & liquid snacks according to tags or a list. Follows all information on the snack tag/list concerning textures or other restrictions. Sorts completed snacks for delivery to appropriate location(s). 10%

3. Participates in food distribution in a safe and sanitary manner according to food service policies. Sets up food carts/trays correctly for delivery to satellite areas. Ensures that the correct foods in the right quantity, of good quality, are received at the assigned serving area. Discrepancies should be reported promptly. Food temperatures are taken before loading food into food carts. Prepares serving area (hot/cold serving lines, clean tables & chairs) for meal service as required. Assists in maintaining stock levels of condiments, food supplies in the satellite areas & work areas, rotating all stock. Loads & unloads food carts in the kitchen and serving areas per Food Service Policies. Assist on the flat Grill 20%

4. Assists in serving food for special diets and following food service procedures. Food is ready to be served at posted times. Food temperatures are taken & recorded as required. Correct serving temperatures of food & beverages are maintained. Accurately weighs & measures foods according to the menu, diet plan, & diet card. Prepares and serves a plate/tray that is neat, attractive, & appealing. Serves meals in a prompt, courteous, and

professional manner. Completes leftover sheets accurately each meal. 10%

5. Follows proper food handling according to food service procedures, state, and federal guidelines. Maintains proper food temperatures at all times. Stores, labels & dates leftovers to ensure quality & safety. Follows proper food handling procedures (i.e., use of cutting boards, use of food handlers’ gloves, hand washing techniques, storage of all foods, etc.). Follows dress code: good hygiene, hair covering, closed-toe shoes, appropriate nails & limited jewelry per food service policy. Keeps work area neat & orderly. Sanitizes workstation per food service policy. 10%

6. Follows procedures for sanitation and storage of the dishes and food service equipment. Set up the dish area properly. Check & replenish all chemical levels according to requirements. All dishes, flatware, and utensils are prewashed & washed/sanitized using the dish machine. Check each item while unloading the dishwasher to ensure proper cleaning and sanitation. Follows procedures for washing, sanitizing, air drying dishes, pots, pans, and utensils. Clean, sanitize tote boxes/lids, carts & racks. Records dish machine temperatures per food service policy. Dishes and serving utensils are placed into cabinets or drawers & organized. 10%

7. Follows required sanitation procedures for cleaning kitchen, stock room, food preparation areas, and assigned home areas. Completes assigned daily cleaning of kitchen & service areas. Counters, equipment, and walls are cleaned after meal preparation/service. Dining/kitchen floors are properly swept & mopped after meal service. Completes daily, weekly, and monthly deep cleaning duties as assigned. Completes other sanitation duties as assigned. 10%

8. Observes safety procedures and practices. Follows all safety regulations of the facility. Follows proper operating instructions for all equipment. Report safety hazards or equipment malfunctions immediately. Alert to changing conditions, recognizing safety issues that arise & informing supervisors immediately. Works at a safe pace, completing duties on time. Maintains proper care of the dishes. Maintains proper care of the food service equipment. Report all injuries to a supervisor immediately. Uses extra precautions when walking on different floor conditions, when lifting, when loading & unloading carts, when working with steam or other potentially unsafe conditions. Completes required training on time. Attends department & job-specific in-service training. 10%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Must be able to read, comprehend, and write English effectively.

Must be able to compute basic math.

Working knowledge of methods used in preparing foods.

Ability to operate and clean Food Service equipment.

Ability to keep simple records.

Accept supervision with either oral or written instructions.

Ability to work in harmony with Employees and customers.

Must have physical stamina to perform manual labor for tasks requiring strength and flexibility.

Ability to be able to problem solve, adapt, have the ability, and manage time.

Must pay attention to detail and can multitask.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of methods used in housekeeping. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

1. Must possess or be willing to obtain a food safety certification (ServSafe, Learn to Serve, orFood Protection Manager) Within the first six months of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Experience in food service work.

2. Graduation from a standard senior high school. 

Additional Information:

MOS Code: 92G, CS, FS, 3300, 4DOX1

Note: Military occupation(s) related to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to: 92G, CS, FS, 3300, 4D0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk atthttp://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

Selected candidates must be able to meet the following: 

• Repeated bending, simple and simultaneous grasping, finger/manual dexterity, vision, hearing, reach above shoulder, twist upper body, move approximately 150 pounds with or without assistance. 
• Perform assigned duties while wearing the required respiratory protective equipment which will be fitted for employees.
• Comply with a Tobacco Free Campus and all employment checks and testing.

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form