Cook – Oregon State Hospital, Salem Campus - 2 positions

Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is a division of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and is a prominent psychiatric hospital located in Salem, Oregon. OSH serves a critical role in the community by providing therapeutic, evidence-based, patient-centered treatment focused on recovery and community reintegration. As one of the key mental health institutions in Oregon, the hospital operates across two campuses and admits over 600 patients daily, employing over 2,000 full-time employees. The hospital’s mission emphasizes supporting patient recovery in a safe environment, promoting hope, and ensuring safety for patients and staff alike. It operates under the umbrella of the OHA, which is dedicated to advancing health equity and eliminating structural barriers for underserved communities.

The OHA is a state agency committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in its workforce. They encourage applicants from all backgrounds to build a stronger and more equitable future together. The current job posting invites qualified individuals to apply for two full-time, permanent cook positions at the Oregon State Hospital’s Salem campus. These on-site roles provide an essential service in the daily operations of the hospital by preparing nutritious meals tailored to the unique needs of patients. Cooks at OSH play a vital part in supporting patient health and recovery by ensuring the delivery of therapeutic diets and accommodating texture modifications as needed.

As a Cook within the Oregon State Hospital, you will be part of a dedicated team that values mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm in the workplace. The role requires cooking for large groups of 120 plus people per meal, often in an institutional setting where adherence to strict food safety and service policies is mandatory. Candidates should be comfortable working with therapeutic diets and possess skills in food safety, including a valid SERV Safe certification. Additionally, employees must obtain a food handler’s card within 30 days of hire and maintain certifications as required by state regulations.

This position offers a salary range of $3,798 to $5,193 per month, which reflects a non-PERS qualifying compensation bracket but will increase if the candidate qualifies for the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Benefits include excellent medical, vision, dental plans, optional insurance coverages, paid time off, public service loan forgiveness potential, and retirement security through PERS or the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan. The position demands compliance with agency background checks and a commitment to maintaining workplace safety and professional standards.

This opportunity is optimal for individuals with one year of cooking experience in food service or those who have culinary arts certificates from accredited institutions. Familiarity with institutional food service protocols and experience in large-scale food preparation are highly valued. The Oregon State Hospital and OHA foster a supportive environment offering training and development to help employees grow their careers while making meaningful contributions to patient wellbeing and community health.