WDVA Cook 1, On-Call, Washington Soldiers Home

Full Job Description

We are excited to announce we are now accepting applications for a On-Call Cook 1 at the historic Washington Soldiers Home in beautiful Orting, Washington!

Homes 24/7 facility differential: Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027.

*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

“On-call” is defined as positions where the work is intermittent in nature, is sporadic and does not fit a particular pattern. On-Call employees are utilized to support operational staffing needs. Shifts for on-call staff are scheduled on a rotational basis. The on call expectations for this position requires that staff be available to work as needed, with a minimum availability of three shifts per week, on two different shifts.

Hybrid/Telework: This position is not eligible for telework.

Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star.

As a On-Call Cook 1, you will assist with the preparation of meals served to residents. This includes preparing all of the modified textured foods for the meals prepared when on shift and distributing food in a safe and sanitary manner.

Cultivate your culinary career and put your customer service skills to work by serving America's heroes!

Requirements

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

• Assuring all special items required by residents are weighed and prepared.
• Using batch cooking techniques to assure maximum freshness and quality of product.
• Reporting the need for modification to recipes or production method as necessary.
• Preparing box lunches for the resident appointments as required.
• Assisting with the preparation of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals.
• Preparing food for approximately 150 residents, staff, and visitors.
• Assisting with preparation activities to ensure the preparation of sufficient quantities of regular and modified diet food.
• Ensuring all special items required by residents are prepared.
• Assuring food items are kept safe by monitoring storage methods, food production and holding temperatures, cooling process and reheating is completed per regulations.
• Regularly checking refrigeration units for outdated products.
• Maintaining accurate food inventory records, quality assurance records, production records, prep sheets, and PMcooler temperatures.
  And more!

Qualifications

Please Note: For positions required to have Food Handlers Permits, this is the correct website from which you can obtain a valid Washington State permit: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/

Required:

• One (1) year of experience in a large-scale food establishment.
  
• Obtain Washington State Food Handlers Permit within two (2) weeks of hire and remain current.
• Must be proficient in the English language.

Preferred/Desired:
Two (2) years' experience in large-scale food establishment.

Special requirements:

Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks.

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 position.

Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.

Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.

Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.

Must maintain a WA State Food Handlers Permit and remain current.

Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.

Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.

Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.

Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.

Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.

Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Additional Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process:

The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position.

Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application: 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications. 2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers. Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency.

Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge.

It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.

Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183.

TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.