Cook 2 - Richland

Cook 2 - Richland

Salary

$42,780.00 - $56,952.00 Annually

Location

Benton County - Richland, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-07264

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Twin Rivers Community Facility

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Class: Cook 2

Location: Richland, WA

Closes: Tuesday, September 08, 2026

Salary: $42,780 - $56,952 Yearly. The salary does not include an additional 5% premium pay for employees working at an on-site 24/7 facility.

Schedule: 7:30am - 5:30pm, 40 hours per week

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Cook 2 to provide food preparation and service at Twin Rivers Community Facility, a Juvenile Rehabilitation staff secure residential facility that serves 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 at a 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 youre passionate about feeding youth, then wed 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

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• 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 the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washingtons children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the job.

Possess a current Food Handlers 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.

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 DCYF Recruiter. If youre 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 (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

07264

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please select the response that best describes your cooking experience or training.

• Two years of cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary position.
• One year of experience as a Cook 1.
• Completion of a course in large-scale cooking.
• I do not have any of the above.

02

Do you have, or can you obtain a Food Handlers Permit?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your experience in a large scale food service or culinary position.

• I have none of this experience.
• I have one (1) year or less of this experience.
• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have five (5) years or more of this experience.

04

Briefly describe your experience working in a large scale food service or culinary position.

05

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 will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the job. Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

06

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Online job boards
• Work of Honor
• Other

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov