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DSHS WSH Cook 1

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Lakewood, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/3/2026
Description

DSHS WSH Cook 1

Are you looking to put your culinary skills to work? We have an amazing opportunity for you to utilize your cooking experience in our kitchen at Western State Hospital (WSH) located in Lakewood, WA.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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.

This position is under the overall supervision of the Food Service Supervisor 2’s and follows the lead of the Cook 2’s. Prepares and serves meals according to set recipes and menus; monitors methods of food handling, preparation, meal service and equipment cleaning to ensure that all food safety and nutritional requirements are met for the patients of Western State Hospital (WSH).

Some Of What You Will Do

  • Has the responsibility to ensure that all regular and special diets meal items are correctly and safely prepared each meal by complying with the recipe, instructions, and standard procedures.
  • Measure and assemble ingredients according to the standard recipe, plan, and initiate cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule, ensuring to coordination food preparation and meal service portions.
  • Collaborate with the cooks.
  • Prepare special diet recipes according to the menu and prescribed diet orders ensuring nutritional and texture accuracy.
  • Monitor the temperature of hot and cold foods throughout food preparation and service to ensure that established temperature regulations are met and maintained.
  • Participate in the cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen areas.
  • Ensures the proper temperature documentation, storage, and utilization of leftover ingredients and products and rotates all food supplies.
  • Compile and maintain records of food use and temperature daily.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Who should apply?

High school diploma or GED.

Two years experience in food preparation or cooking.

Preference is given to persons with education in quantity cooking and therapeutic diets.

Minimum one-year cooking experience in a healthcare, completion of the course in large-scale cooking may be substituted for experience in a healthcare, restaurant, or hospitality setting is desired.

Desired

  • Must have, or eligible for, a food handler's permit issued by a county health department within Washington State.
  • Annual TB screening is required.
  • Follow written and oral instructions.

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.

Questions? Please peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 03520.

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 (360) 725-5810. 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.

Salary.com Estimation for DSHS WSH Cook 1 in Lakewood, WA
$35,748 to $42,479
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