Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07911

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: COOK 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Nutrition

Summary

DSHS CSTC – Cook 1

The Department of Social and Health Services is hiring various Cook 1s to join our team at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the health and well-being of youth in care by preparing, cooking, and serving meals in accordance with established menu cycles and standardized recipes. This is an essential position that helps ensure nutritious, safe, and timely meals are provided to support treatment and daily routines.

We are currently hiring for an On-Call and permanent opportunity to help meet the needs of the facility.

About the CSTC:

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

Some of what you'll do:

• Temperature charts, cleanliness
• Cooking, cleaning, paperwork
• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to standardized recipes and menu cycles, including special dietary needs; time management
• Works with children, create creative desserts
• Baking, cooking, time management and serving
• Food handlers with a positive attitude, willing to learn and a can-do attitude
• Follow standard operating procedures for all phases of food preparation and ensure food safety standards are met
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and handle food storage, including rotating stock and lifting boxes up to 30 lbs
• Clean and sanitize kitchen areas, appliances, equipment, dishes, and utensils, including operating dishwashers
• Monitor and maintain food inventory and supplies for assigned meals
• Transport meals within the hospital and support food prep for special events, outings, and campus-wide functions
• Communicate effectively by reviewing/responding to emails and reporting incidents to supervisors as required

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of large-scale food preparation methods, food handling, and sanitation/safety standards
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and accurately estimate quantities for meal preparation
• Familiarity with the care, use, and cleaning of commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
• Strong personal hygiene and understanding of food safety regulations
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing routine reports
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and establish effective work methods
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to maintain cooperative working relationships and instruct others in kitchen tasks

Who should apply?

• Professionals who have at least one year of experience in food preparation or cooking

AND

• A current Washington State Food Worker Card, or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment

Completion of large-scale cooking course may substitute for experience.

For information about a Washington State Food Worker Card click here.

Additional Information:

• 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
• Management of Station – Setting up your kitchen independently, cleanliness, timeliness and Coordination
• Waste Reduction – Using proper 1st in 1st out method
• 0-6 months experience

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 07911.

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.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) 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.

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