NWTIC Cook/Housekeeper

SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE•Shelton, WA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The NWITC Cook / Housekeeper I performs food service and housekeeping duties at the Northwest Indian Treatment Center inpatient facility, helping maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for patients receiving residential substance use disorder treatment. Duties include preparing and serving nutritious meals, safe food handling, cleaning and sanitizing kitchen and facility areas, and maintaining patient and common spaces. The position interacts regularly with patients and staff and requires professionalism, respect, appropriate boundaries, and effective communication. Employees learn and use DBT-based skills to support positive interactions and respond appropriately to challenging or emotionally heightened situations. The role may assist with training new employees and participates in required safety and emergency preparedness activities. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required based on facility needs.

Requirements

Valid Washington State driver's license.
Either an associate degree and one year of relevant experience, or a high school diploma or GED and three years of relevant experience as a cook responsible for ordering food and supplies, planning menus, cooking large quantities, and maintaining cleanliness of a kitchen, dining, and other food areas.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, business and professional publications, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to manage individuals' attention skillfully and appropriately while demonstrating DBT skills.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, including proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to use common-sense understanding to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Must have and maintain a valid Food Handler’s Permit.
Must pass a criminal history background check and be insured by the Tribe’s insurance carrier.
Must complete a TB test and CPR training.
Must complete urinalysis for drug and alcohol screening under the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.
Must meet the stated physical requirements, including regularly lifting up to 25 pounds, frequently lifting up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifting more than 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Native Americans is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve nutritious, flavorful, indigenous, and appealing meals that support patient wellness, recovery, and health.
Use fresh, whole, traditional, and locally grown foods when available and appropriate, including foods and herbs from the NWITC garden.
Respect ingredients, reduce unnecessary food waste, and support composting and sustainable practices.
Accommodate approved dietary needs and provide balanced, nourishing meal options.
Create a welcoming, respectful dining experience that supports community and connection.
Maintain food safety, sanitation, storage, preparation, and service standards in accordance with applicable requirements and NWITC practices.
Clean and organize the kitchen and routinely clean kitchen equipment, preparation areas, appliances, floors, and food service areas.
Collaborate with kitchen, garden, cultural, and treatment teams on patient activities, cultural events, celebrations, and facility programming.
Promptly communicate food safety, equipment, supply, sanitation, or maintenance concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Clean and sanitize patient rooms, common areas, restrooms, dining areas, offices, and other assigned spaces while respecting patient privacy and belongings.
Maintain shared spaces and the facility in a clean, safe, comfortable, and welcoming condition.
Perform laundry duties and ensure patients have access to clean linens and towels.
Maintain outdoor and shared areas by removing litter, addressing spills or hazards, and supporting campus appearance and safety.
Use, clean, and store housekeeping equipment, chemicals, and supplies properly and follow infection prevention and safety practices.
Promptly report maintenance needs, environmental concerns, damaged equipment, and potential health and safety hazards.
Collaborate across departments and assist with facility, cultural, alumni, and community activities as needed.
Help steward NWITC facilities, resources, and grounds.
Demonstrate respectful communication, healthy boundaries, emotional regulation, and positive interactions with patients, alumni, and coworkers using DBT skills.
Encourage patients to practice DBT and healthy coping skills during everyday interactions and activities.
Model professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect, and support culturally respectful, trauma-informed, recovery-focused care.