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Posted: February 23, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS Lakeland Food Service Worker

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$3,189 - $4,216

per month

Closes

March 10, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals in a large kitchen at a state facility that supports people with disabilities, including handling special diets and leading a team of workers.

It's a hands-on role focused on safe food handling and maintaining a clean environment.

A good fit would be someone reliable and detail-oriented who enjoys teamwork and has experience in food service, especially in institutional settings.

Key Requirements

  • Washington State Food Worker Card (or ability to obtain within 14 days of hire)
  • Ability to follow instructions from supervisors, doctors, and dietitians for food preparation and special diets
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with management, peers, clients, and the public
  • Knowledge of food texturing and preparation per doctor's orders
  • Experience with cleaning and sanitizing kitchens according to state, federal, and local health codes
  • Physical ability to lift, deliver supplies, wash dishes, and perform deep cleaning tasks
  • Valid driver's license (if driving on state business) and ability to pass a background check

Full Job Description

DSHS Lakeland Village Food Service Worker

DSHS's Lakeland Village is seeking a Food Service Worker to join our team with a passion for helping people. As a Food Service Worker, you'll be involved in the preparation and serving of food and beverages, and clean up for a large-scale food service operation.

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? Email alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference 01385.

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: 2/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/24/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5239102