DSHS CSTC Cook

DSHS CSTC – Cook 1

The Department of Social and Health Services is hiring an On-Call Cook 1 to join the 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 opportunity to help meet the needs of the facility.

• 5:45AM - 2:15PM
• 9:30AM - 6:00PM
• 2:00PM - 6:00PM or 5:45AM - 9:45AM

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.

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to standardized recipes and menu cycles, including special dietary needs
• 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/responsive emails and reporting incidents to supervisors as required

• 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

• 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 .

• The On‑Call shift will vary. More information will be given during an interview.
• 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.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan laan.gov and reference job number #01417.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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…