Washington State ESD
DSHS WSH Food Service Worker
At Western State Hospital, our Food Service Workers play a vital role in helping patients heal and feel cared for — one meal at a time.
You’ll be part of a supportive team that prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the hospital’s residents. Every day, your work helps people stay nourished and supported while they focus on recovery.
This isn’t your average kitchen job — it’s meaningful, hands‑on work that supports the wellbeing of others. You’ll make sure meals are safe, balanced, and delivered with care. And you’ll work alongside people who believe that a nutritional meal can make a real difference in someone’s day.
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.
Some of what you will do
Assemble and serve meals and snacks for the patients.
Provide customer service to patients in a behavioral health setting.
Read meal tickets to ensure only items adhering to the diet orders are served.
Keep work areas, equipment, and utensilsclean and sanitized.
Implement and abide by food safety standards.
Adhere to infection control standards for a healthcare organization.
Collaborate as a supportive team member in a fast‑paced environment.
Implement knowledge of special diets, providing proper nutrition to the patient.
Who should apply?
A high-school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Professionals with a current Washington State Food Worker Card or the ability to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of hire.
*To obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card by start date click here.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Customer service: You stay kind and calm, even when others are having a hard day.
Willingness to learn: You can learn how to prepare and serve food that meets special diet needs.
Attention to detail: You follow directions and make sure meals match what’s ordered.
Good communication: You listen carefully and share information clearly.
Teamwork: You enjoy working with others to get the job done.
Food safety: You know how to keep food clean, safe, and stored the right way.
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 Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07534.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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You’ll be part of a supportive team that prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the hospital’s residents. Every day, your work helps people stay nourished and supported while they focus on recovery.
This isn’t your average kitchen job — it’s meaningful, hands‑on work that supports the wellbeing of others. You’ll make sure meals are safe, balanced, and delivered with care. And you’ll work alongside people who believe that a nutritional meal can make a real difference in someone’s day.
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.
Some of what you will do
Assemble and serve meals and snacks for the patients.
Provide customer service to patients in a behavioral health setting.
Read meal tickets to ensure only items adhering to the diet orders are served.
Keep work areas, equipment, and utensilsclean and sanitized.
Implement and abide by food safety standards.
Adhere to infection control standards for a healthcare organization.
Collaborate as a supportive team member in a fast‑paced environment.
Implement knowledge of special diets, providing proper nutrition to the patient.
Who should apply?
A high-school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Professionals with a current Washington State Food Worker Card or the ability to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of hire.
*To obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card by start date click here.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Customer service: You stay kind and calm, even when others are having a hard day.
Willingness to learn: You can learn how to prepare and serve food that meets special diet needs.
Attention to detail: You follow directions and make sure meals match what’s ordered.
Good communication: You listen carefully and share information clearly.
Teamwork: You enjoy working with others to get the job done.
Food safety: You know how to keep food clean, safe, and stored the right way.
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 Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07534.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
#J-18808-Ljbffr