Cook 2 - Olympia

Full Job Description

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."Job Class: Cook 2Location: Olympia, WACloses: Wednesday, January 28, 2026Salary: $3,495 - $4,653 Monthly.

The salary does not include an additional 5% premium pay for employees working in an on-site 24/7 facility.

Shift: 7:00a-5:30p Sunday-Wednesday. Thursday-Saturday off.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Cook 2 to provide food preparation and service at Touchstone, a Juvenile Rehabilitation staff secure community facility that serves male youth.

The Cook 2 has direct oversight of all nutritional programming including: supervision of residents, kitchen maintenance, safety, inventory, and ensuring adherence to USDA and OSPI guidelines and requirements.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.The Opportunity:You will work on a two person team of cooks for a 16 bed minimum security juvenile facility and supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for residents, including supervision of residents, kitchen maintenance, safety, and inventory.

Additionally, you will inspect the preparation of food to ensure the proper quantity, quality, and handling, and instruct and train employees/resident kitchen help in cooking, preparing, and handling food consistent with health requirements.

This position is in a kitchen environment and you may stand for long periods of time, lifting, and conducting repetitive tasks.

If you're passionate about feeding youth, then we'd love to meet you!Some of what you will do:

• Prepare weekly cycle menus for residents using the Health E Pro Software.
• Ensure all menus are USDA certified and follow the standards laid out by OSPI.
• Ensure all yearly documentation is completed according to OSPI expectations.
• Order and track inventory on a monthly basis.
• Perform skilled cooking and baking duties.
• Lead food preparation performed by staff during off times.
• Instruct staff on a weekly basis through verbal and written communication.
• Adjust food volume production based on demands and resident population.
• Maintain written documentation of daily production records, daily meal counts, and inventory.
• Ensure proper food handling and sanitation practices are met.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Input Monthly Meal Cost Summary Data each month.
• Perform basic data entry and retrieval functions using an electronic management information system.
• Train and coach residents in Health Living and Culinary Skills.
• Coach and supervise youth in completion of kitchen chores to meet health and safety guidelines.
• Keep Safety Data Sheets up to date for chemicals used in kitchens and secure chemicals and protection devices.

Required qualifications:
Two years of Cooking Experience in a large-scale food service or culinary position.

Note: Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may substitute for one year of experience.
OR
One year as a Cook 1 in state service.

AND

1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to these required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the USDA requirements and guidelines.
• Demonstrated competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach a letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors.

We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

Possess a current Food Handler's permit or secure one within fourteen days of hire.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the Talent Acquisition Specialist.

If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

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