DSHS WSH Custodian 1

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading health services department as a Custodian, where your role is vital in maintaining a clean and safe environment for both staff and patients. This position goes beyond traditional custodial duties; it’s about creating a supportive atmosphere for individuals facing significant challenges. You will engage in a variety of tasks, from daily cleaning routines to ensuring that all areas are safe and well-maintained. This is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful mission in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where your efforts will directly support recovery and foster hope. If you take pride in your work and enjoy being part of a collaborative team, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 25lbs regularly and 45lbs occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of floors, restrooms, and furniture.
• Maintain custodial equipment and ensure storage closets are stocked.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Basic computer skills

Job description

DSHS WSH Civil Center - Custodian 1

Are you looking for a role that is both essential and deeply meaningful? As a Custodian at Western State Hospital's Civil Center, you'll do more than maintain cleanliness—you’ll help create a safe, dignified, and healing environment for staff and patients alike. Working in a setting that serves individuals facing long-term psychiatric and behavioral health challenges, your efforts will directly support recovery and foster hope.

This isn’t just another custodial job—it’s a commitment to high standards in a sensitive environment. Our Environmental Services Team collaborates across disciplines to ensure a clean and safe facility, making it possible for staff to provide compassionate care. If you take pride in your work, have a keen eye for detail, and thrive as part of a team, this opportunity is for you.

Join us at Western State Hospital in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where every day is a profound journey of compassion and resilience.

Some of what you'll do:

• Daily care of floors to include sweeping, wet/dry mopping, buffing, scrubbing, stripping, sealing, waxing, and disinfecting.
• Daily care of all restrooms and bathing facilities, disinfecting and sanitizing all toilets, urinals, sinks, tubs, and showers.
• Clean and disinfect all furniture including beds, nightstands, lockers, chairs, tables, and desks.
• Clean and maintain all custodial equipment, mop buckets, and buffers.
• Keep storage closets properly stocked with supplies.
• Perform safety checks of areas and report hazards.

Who should apply?

• Applicants who are at least 18 years old and possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.

What we're looking for:

• Ability to lift 25lbs on a regular basis, as well as 45lbs occasionally. Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting, standing, and moving equipment as needed.
• Ability to interact respectfully and clearly with patients and colleagues, particularly in potentially challenging environments.
• A positive, adaptable approach to a job that requires close interaction with both staff and patients, as well as flexibility in working hours.
• Basic computer experience including email and internet.
• Use professional judgment to carry out all assigned responsibilities.
• Be able to work independently and as a member of a team.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #01194.

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.

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 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.

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