Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08479

Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Division: Washington Soldiers Home

Job classification: CUSTODIAN 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Facility Management, Custodial

Summary

Custodian 1

On-Call

Washington Soldiers Home

Are you looking for an opportunity to get your foot in the door as a state employee while providing vital custodial services for our resident Veterans? Look no further! Our team is excited to announce we are now accepting applications for an On-Call Custodian 1 position here at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, Washington!

As a Custodian 1 you will perform a variety of custodial tasks and routine cleaning of our facility buildings. This position directly impacts the quality of life and health of our resident veterans by maintaining a consistently high level of cleanliness and sanitation in all assigned areas. Your experience will be critical in enhancing the appearance of our facility while providing comfort to our residents.

Homes 24/7 facility differential: Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027.

*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

“On-call” is defined as positions where the work is intermittent in nature, is sporadic and does not fit a particular pattern. On-Call employees are utilized to support operational staffing needs. Shifts for on-call staff are scheduled on a rotational basis. The on call expectations for this position requires that staff be available to work as needed, with a minimum availability of three shifts per week, on two different shifts.

Hybrid/Telework: This position is not eligible for telework.

Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families, then we encourage you to join our team by applying now!

Examples of duties

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide custodial cleaning service in assigned areas, resident rooms, common areas, and office spaces.
• Vacuum and extract carpets as required.
• Mop, disinfect, and strip and wax as required.
• Maintain baseboards free of dirt and wax buildup.
• Empty track and maintain receptacles free of odors.
• Perform various housekeeping tasks.
• Keep toilets, urinals, sinks, and other fixtures clean and free of scale, film, and odors.
• Maintain elevators in a clean and streak-free condition.
• Assist nursing and food service staff in cleaning dining room floors after each meal.
• Restock custodial cart with equipment and supplies necessary to perform assigned job duties.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be a minimum age of 18
• Must be able to work around unpleasant odors, blood borne pathogens, body excrement, infections/contagious diseases while providing custodial services to elderly, vulnerable, and /or disabled residents.
• Must have excellent listening skills and be able to work productively with staff and residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to follow policies and procedures.
• Must be able to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards.
• Must possess the physical ability to do required work as there is heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds, as well as regular stooping, kneeling and bending.
• Must possess basic computer literacy skills in order to complete required trainings.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to facilitate effective performance of job duties. This includes sufficient written and verbal communication in English, to facilitate effective performance of essential functions.
• Experience/Education Equivalency statement: A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
• Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired:

• Two years of full-time experience in large scale housekeeping, janitorial, building maintenance, or custodial work in a healthcare facility, hospital or nursing home.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in cleaning and caring for floors, walls, fixtures and furniture.
• Safety practices and procedures for handling chemicals.
• Knowledge of aseptic procedures and infection control, as related to custodial services

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. 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 position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process:

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.