DSHS CSTC Cook 1

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in food preparation or cooking
A current Washington State Food Worker Card, or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment
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
Food handlers with a positive attitude, willing to learn and a can-do attitude
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
Management of Station – Setting up your kitchen independently, cleanliness, timeliness and Coordination
Waste Reduction – Using proper 1st in 1st out method