Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06380

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: COOK 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Food Services

DSHS SCC Cook 3

If you are passionate about creating high-quality meals and have experience in commercial food preparation, consider this exciting opportunity in McNeil Island, WA. We need your culinary leadership talent at the Special Commitment Center to coordinate and supervise the work of the food service staff.

As a Cook 3, you will supervise and participate in the making and serving of specialized diets and ensure meal preparation is accurate and adheres to food safety guidelines.

SCC employees also receive an additional $10 per day premium pay in addition to advertised salary and a free ORCA card for transportation use. Ferry transportation is provided to McNeil Island employeesOpportunities 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.

Schedule: 6:00am-2:00pm with Monday/Tuesday off.

Some of what you will do:

• Supervise, direct, train, and work side by side with others and assist cooks with all aspects of meal preparation
• Assign daily work assignments, answer questions, and problem solve
• Work with resident workers and provide vocational training
• Follow complex recipes and prepare various food items for three meals a day
• Operate cooking and kitchen equipment
• Follow and adjust recipes to make the appropriate amount of food and follow dietary orders accurately
• Ensure proper food distribution to living units
• Operate and sanitize kitchen equipment according to the State Health Code, and Federal standards, and follow safe food handling practices and clean-as-you-go procedures

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What we are looking for:

• Understanding of principles, methods, and procedures involved in a large-scale food preparation and cooking operation
• Knowledge of kitchen and dining room work, personal hygiene, sanitation, housekeeping practices, and operation of standard kitchen appliances and equipment
• Ability to learn routines involved in preparing and serving food, follow written and oral instructions, and instruct residents
• Demonstrated safe food handling practices, sanitation, and universal safety precautions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment completing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Additional training in working with Sexually Violent Predators is provided and is mandatory
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with clients, management, peers, and the public

Who should apply? Professionals with the following:

• One year of lead work experience in cooking in an institution or commercial food preparation
• A Washington State Food Worker Card or the ability to obtain the card within 14 days of hire

Along with your application please include:

• Three professional references

To obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card by start date click here

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 06380.

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 (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.

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