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Posted: February 5, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS ESH Food Service Worker

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$3,189 - $4,216

per month

Closes

February 20, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This on-call job at Eastern State Hospital involves preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals for patients in a hospital setting, with a focus on following special diets and health standards to support their well-being.

It's ideal for reliable team players who enjoy hands-on kitchen work and want to make a positive impact in healthcare.

No prior experience is required, but you'll need to get a food handler's card quickly and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to follow instructions from supervisors, doctors, and dietitians to prepare and serve food safely and efficiently
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with management, peers, clients, and the public
  • Understanding of doctor's and dietitian's orders to texture and prepare special diet foods appropriately
  • Washington State Food Worker Card (or ability to obtain within 14 days of hire)
  • Physical ability to perform kitchen tasks like lifting, cleaning, and operating equipment
  • Willingness to work on-call, at least three days a week on-site for potential premium pay
  • Valid driver's license and liability insurance if driving on state business (may be required)

Full Job Description

DSHS ESH Food Service Worker

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? The Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) at DSHS is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic On-Call Food Service Worker to join our team in Medical Lake, WA at Eastern State Hospital (ESH).

As an On-Call Food Service Worker at Eastern State Hospital, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the well-being of our patients by helping prepare and serve meals in a large-scale food service operation.

Your work will directly contribute to creating a positive and nourishing environment for those we serve.

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.

Some of what you'll do:
  • Dish various special diet items following written doctor's orders.
  • Texture food into the proper texture.
  • Set-up, load and deliver food and supplies to the living areas.
  • Clean and sanitize the kitchen following State, Federal and Local Health Codes and Policies.
  • Wash dishes using institutional dishwasher and/or 3-sink method and put them away.
  • Assist cooks in the preparation, cooking, dishing, texturing and clean-up of the meal.
  • Set up, tear down, and clean dining room for meals.
  • Lead, instruct, assign and check food service workers.
  • Perform special deep cleaning of kitchen areas to include freezers, walk-ins, and ovens.

What we're looking for:
  • Ability to follow instructions and directions given by supervisors/lead workers/doctors/dietitians to properly, efficiently and safely do various jobs in the kitchen.
  • Must be able to communicate and comprehend through verbal and written forms of communication with management, peers, clients and the public.
  • Understand Doctor's/Dietitian's orders to appropriately texture and prepare food for the clients.

Who should apply?
Professionals with a food handler's card or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment.

To obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card by start date click here.

Interested? Apply today!
To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

Questions?
Please contact alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01075.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.


Additional Information

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.




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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/5/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/6/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5227421