Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08431

Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division: Oakridge Community Facility

Job classification: COOK 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections, Food Services, Customer Service

Summary

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community.

Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

Job Class: Cook 2

Location: Lakewood, WA

Closes: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Salary: $43,780 – $56,952 Annually. The salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.

This non-permanent position is expected to last approximately six months.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Cook 2 to join the Oakridge team. This position has direct oversight of all nutritional programming including supervision of residents, kitchen maintenance, safety, inventory, and, ensuring adherence to USDA and OSPI guidelines and requirements.

Oakridge Community Facility (OCF) is focused on helping young people successfully transition back into their communities. Through an Integrated Treatment Model that includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Oakridge staff work alongside residents on the skills, connections, and experiences they need to build a life beyond the justice system — from education and employment to family relationships and independent living. The work here is hands-on and community connected to build the foundation residents will rely on after release.

If you are someone who is calm under pressure, committed to youth rehabilitation, and ready to show up every day for young people who need it most, we want to hear from you.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for residents and staff in a Juvenile Rehabilitation minimum security community facility. You will direct oversight of all nutritional programming including supervision of residents, kitchen maintenance, safety, inventory, and ensuring adherence to USDA and OSPI guidelines and requirements, so youth have the nutrition needed to support their health and ability to follow their treatment program. Apply now to join our dedicated team.

Some of what you will do:

• Prepare weekly cycle menus for residents using the Health E Pro Software.
• Ensure all menus are USDA certified and follow the standards laid out by OSPI.
• Perform skilled cooking and baking duties and lead food preparation performed by staff during off times.
• Order and track inventory on a monthly basis.
• Instruct staff on a weekly basis through verbal and written communication.
• Adjust food volume production based on demands and resident population.
• Maintain written documentation of daily production records, daily meal counts, and inventory and input Monthly Meal Cost Summary Data.
• Ensure proper food handling and sanitation practices are met.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Train and coach residents in Health Living and Culinary Skills and supervise them in completion of kitchen chores to meet health and safety guidelines.

Required qualifications:

Twelve months of demonstrated work experience

OR

Six months of experience as a Cook 1.

Note: Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may substitute for six months of experience.

AND

1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to these required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the USDA requirements and guidelines.
• Demonstrated competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.
• Experience working with OSPI preferred but not required

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

Possess a current Food Handler's permit or secure one within fourteen days of hire.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the DCYF Recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

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