DSHS WSH Food Service Worker

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site pay premium (5% for 3+ days on

Orca Card for transportation

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker at Western State Hospital. You will help prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to residents, ensuring meals are safe, balanced, and served with care.

This role emphasizes teamwork, attention to dietary requirements, and compassionate service in a healthcare setting, supporting patients on their recovery journey.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Current Washington State Food Worker Card or ability to obtain within 14 days of hire.
• Commitment to courteous customer service and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and serve meals and snacks while following diet orders and meal tickets.
• Provide courteous customer service to patients in a behavioral health setting.
• Maintain clean and sanitized work areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards in a healthcare environment.
• Work collaboratively with team members in a fast-paced setting.
• Support patient nutrition by preparing and serving meals meeting dietary needs.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Food Service Worker

Join our team at Western State Hospital as a Food Service Worker, where your work helps support the care and recovery of the patients we serve. Food Service Workers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment by helping prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to residents throughout the hospital.

Description

Join our team at Western State Hospital as a Food Service Worker, where your work helps support the care and recovery of the patients we serve. Food Service Workers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment by helping prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to residents throughout the hospital. This isn’t your average kitchen job. It’s meaningful, hands‑on work that supports the wellbeing of others. As part of a dedicated team, you’ll help ensure meals are safe, balanced, and served with care. Every shift contributes to helping patients stay nourished and supported while they focus on their recovery.

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.

Additional Pay Incentives

• 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.

Some Of What You Will Do

• Assemble and serve meals and snacks while ensuring diet orders and meal tickets are followed.
• Provide courteous customer service to patients in a behavioral health setting.
• Maintain clean and sanitized work areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards required in a healthcare environment.
• Work collaboratively with team members in a fast‑paced setting.
• Support patient nutrition by preparing and serving meals that meet special dietary needs.

Who should apply?

• High‑school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• A current Washington State Food Worker Card or the ability to obtain a Food Worker Card * within 14 days of hire.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Provide courteous and professional customer service, remaining calm and respectful.
• Ability and willingness to learn food preparation and service techniques that support special dietary needs.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure meals are prepared and served according to instructions and dietary requirements.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including the ability to listen carefully and share information with team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team to complete daily food service tasks efficiently.
• Knowledge of food safety practices, including proper food handling, sanitation, and storage procedures.

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.

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