DSHS WSH Custodian 3

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington’s DSHS Western State Hospital in the Gage Center is seeking a Custodian 3 to support a safe, clean, and caring environment for patients and staff.

You will supervise a crew of custodians, provide training in cleaning techniques and safety protocols, manage staffing and scheduling, and ensure cleanliness standards are met, including floors, carpets and upholstery, with a focus on reliable service and teamwork.

Qualifications

• One to two years of experience in housekeeping, janitorial, custodial work; OR one year as a Lead.
• Ability to supervise and train a custodial team and oversee safety practices.
• Proficiency with basic office software and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Hire, schedule, and assign work of team members.
• Train and orient staff in cleaning techniques and safety practices.
• Establish performance standards, evaluate staff, and take corrective actions.
• Perform safety checks and report issues.
• Coordinate ward moves and office moves.

Skills

Team supervision

Staff training

Scheduling

Safety procedures

Communication

Training oversight

Performance evaluations

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Word

Leave Tracker

Scheduling meetings

Job description

DSHS WSH Gage Center Custodian 3

We’re looking for a skilled Custodian 3 to join our team at DSHS Western State Hospital, located in the Gage Center. This is more than just a custodial role—it’s a chance to contribute to a safe, clean, and supportive environment for patients and staff alike. If you're passionate about maintaining high standards and want to be part of a team that values integrity, service, and care, we’d love to hear from you.

Description

We’re looking for a skilled Custodian 3 to join our team at DSHS Western State Hospital, located in the Gage Center. This is more than just a custodial role—it’s a chance to contribute to a safe, clean, and supportive environment for patients and staff alike. If you're passionate about maintaining high standards and want to be part of a team that values integrity, service, and care, we’d love to hear from you.

In this role, you will supervise a crew of custodians and provide training in general custodial duties and heavy equipment operation for maintaining floors, carpets, and upholstery. You will manage staffing and scheduling, train custodial staff in cleaning techniques and safety protocols, and ensure cleanliness standards are met. You'll also oversee performance, conduct safety checks, recommend corrective actions, and assist with ward and office moves.

Some Of What You Will Do

• Hire, schedule, and assign work of team members
• Train, orientate and instruct in proper cleaning techniques and safety practices to ensure that department/facility cleanliness standards are met
• Establish team performance standards, evaluate employee performance, and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Perform safety checks throughout the work area and report issues
• Assist with coordinating ward moves and office moves

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Understands Microsoft Word, filling documents, Leave Tracker, scheduling meetings
• Keep inventory of equipment and supplies and prepare reports
• Make rounds, check, or inspect for security purposes to determine the conditions of equipment and correct deficiencies
• Facilitate team coordination on assigned special projects to ensure business continuity in a safe and secure manner
• Collaborate and effectively communicate with team members and other departments in a way that will continue to foster good relations
• Perform all assigned training courses and conduct training activities for your assigned team members
• Complete staff performance evaluations on time and mentor direct reports when additional training is needed
• Document and report issues and concerns when they are witnessed or reported to you
• Take action as appropriate with each situation

Who should apply?

Professionals with one to two years of experience in housekeeping, janitorial, custodial work, and general or building maintenance; OR One year experience as a Lead.

Please Note

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.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 07527.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rate basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026