DSHS CSTC Cook 1

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as a Cook 1 at the Child Study and Treatment Center. In this essential role, you will prepare and serve nutritious meals, contribute to the treatment of youth, and ensure a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. Be part of a caring community that supports the health and well-being of children and families.

Benefits

5% premium pay for on-site work

Orca Card for transportation

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in food preparation or cooking.
• Ability to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to standardized recipes.
• Ensure food safety standards are met.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen areas and equipment.

Skills

Food preparation methods

Food handling

Sanitation and safety standards

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Current Washington State Food Worker Card

Completion of large-scale cooking course

Job description

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DSHS CSTC – Cook 1

The Department of Social and Health Services is hiring a Cook 1 to join the team at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the health and well-being of youth in care by preparing, cooking, and serving meals in accordance with established menu cycles and standardized recipes. This is an essential position that helps ensure nutritious, safe, and timely meals are provided to support treatment and daily routines.

Description

DSHS CSTC – Cook 1

The Department of Social and Health Services is hiring a Cook 1 to join the team at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the health and well-being of youth in care by preparing, cooking, and serving meals in accordance with established menu cycles and standardized recipes. This is an essential position that helps ensure nutritious, safe, and timely meals are provided to support treatment and daily routines.

We are currently hiring for a permanent opportunity, as well as on-call positions to help meet the needs of the facility. Applicants will be asked to indicate their preferences when submitting their application.

About The CSTC

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to standardized recipes and menu cycles, including special dietary needs
• Follow standard operating procedures for all phases of food preparation and ensure food safety standards are met
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and handle food storage, including rotating stock and lifting boxes up to 30 lbs
• Clean and sanitize kitchen areas, appliances, equipment, dishes, and utensils, including operating dishwashers
• Monitor and maintain food inventory and supplies for assigned meals
• Transport meals within the hospital and support food prep for special events, outings, and campus-wide functions
• Communicate effectively by reviewing/responding to emails and reporting incidents to supervisors as required
  
  

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of large-scale food preparation methods, food handling, and sanitation/safety standards
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and accurately estimate quantities for meal preparation
• Familiarity with the care, use, and cleaning of commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
• Strong personal hygiene and understanding of food safety regulations
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing routine reports
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and establish effective work methods
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to maintain cooperative working relationships and instruct others in kitchen tasks
  
  

Who should apply?

• Professionals who have at least one year of experience in food preparation or cooking AND
• A current Washington State Food Worker Card, or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment.
  
  

Completion of large-scale cooking course may substitute for experience.

For information about a Washington State Food Worker Card click here .

Additional Information

• Work schedule: Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Permanent position only).
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
  

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along With Your Application, Please Include

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #04186.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Government Administration, Individual and Family Services, and Hospitals and Health Care

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