Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05820

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: COOK 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Food Services, Nutrition

DSHS Yakima Valley School Cook 1

Imagine coming to work each shift knowing you’re helping people feel cared for, safe, and well-fed. As an on-call Cook 1 atYakima Valley School in Selah, you’ll prepare meals that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll work in a busy kitchen where teamwork matters, routines keep things running smoothly, and your effort helps the whole community. As we are a 24-hour facility, working weekends and holidays is expected.

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.

Some of what you'll do:

• Prepare hot and cold foods per posted menu, using state and agency approved recipes and adjusting those recipes to prepare appropriate amounts.
• Set up, use and clean all food service equipment associated with preparation and clean up tasks.
• Perform all pre-preparation tasks, while adhering to all federal, state and local health and safety guidelines.
• Maintain all kitchen areas and equipment in a safe and healthy manner.
• Record information on various logs in regards to sanitizing/cleaning, food preparation, and food safety information.
• Transport meals and supplies to cottages as directed.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of large scale preparation of food and beverages.
• Ability to adjust recipe portions, sizes and ingredients as needed per diet instructions.
• Experience with food safety regulations.
• Interact with residents, staff and visitors in a professional friendly manner.
• Work positively and professionally in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities throughout the day in a fast pace environment.

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.

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

For information about a Washington State Food Worker Card click here

Interested? Apply today!

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 contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05820.

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.

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