DSHS WSH Food Service Worker Lead

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH Food Service Worker Lead

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Lead Food Service Worker with a passion for helping people to join our team at Western State Hospital (WSH).

In this role you will perform and participate in routine work serving and preparing regular and therapeutic dietary meals in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.

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.

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 7:00 pm with Sunday and Monday off.

Some of what you'll be doing:

• Prepare and serve hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages to patients.
• Deliver food trays to hospital wards and assist with various related tasks.
• Operate Computrition and WellSky systems for reports, dietary cards, and patient data updates.
• Ensure proper tray assembly and food portions per IDDSI standards and dietitian orders.
• Follow recipes using accurate weights and measurements for meal preparation.
• Comply with food safety guidelines for temperatures, portion control, and hygiene.
• Handle food storage, labeling, and serving using scales, menus, and secure dining protocols.
• Sanitize kitchen areas and equipment using approved cleaning methods and chemicals.

What we're looking for:

• Skilled in preparing and serving therapeutic diets tailored to patient needs.
• Trained in Computrition systems and familiar with sanitation procedures using common kitchen chemicals.
• Well-versed in hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and infection control practices.
• Capable of handling challenging patient interactions and team conflicts with calm, therapeutic communication.
• Effective communicator with management, colleagues, patients, and the general public in professional settings.

Who should apply?

• Possession of, or eligible for, a food handler’s permit.

And

• One year of experience in quantity or institutional food preparation and serving.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience

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

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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01593.

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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