Initial Posting Date:

10/16/2026

Application Deadline:

10/23/2026

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$3798 - $5193

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Cook - Oregon State Hospital, Salem Campus

Job Description:

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!  Cook – Oregon State Hospital, Salem Campus

NOTE: A resume outlining your cook experience is required for this position.

The Oregon State Hospital, a division of the Oregon Health Authority, has an opportunity for a Cook to join an excellent team. We are looking for a passionate individual who supports Oregon State Hospital's mission, which includes supporting one's recovery and community reintegration, all in a safe environment.  The Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is a psychiatric hospital under the direction of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) that inspires hope, promotes safety, and supports recovery. OSH employs over 2,000 FTE and serves over 600 patients each day on two campuses. OSH provides therapeutic, evidence-based, patient-centered treatment focusing on patient recovery and community reintegration.

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

For a full review of the position description, please click here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: The following qualifications must be visible in your application to be considered for this position:

• One year of experience as a cook in a food service facility OR
• Possession of a certificate of completion in culinary arts and/or food and hospitality service from a certified community college or technical school.

 

NOTE: This position requires the employee to obtain a food handler’s card within 30 days of hire.

Special Qualifications: A minimum of one year of experience as a cook is required for this position.

Desired Attributes: The following list contains the skills and lived experience that has been identified as key to success in this role. This list includes the attributes we look for in our top candidate. If you possess any of these attributes, please let us know in your application.

• Experience cooking for 120 plus people per meal in an institutional setting.
• Experience cooking and preparing therapeutic diets and texture modifications.
• Experience following and applying food service policies and procedures.
• Valid SERV Safe certification.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook and internet browsers. Basic knowledge of arithmetic.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license.

Preference Statement: Applicants who have completed the Marion County Advanced Food Management Principles and Concepts Training, including HACCP Certification, at the time of appointment may be extended preference.

Application Guidance

Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the submission requirements listed below.

Submission Requirements:

• Resume (required) – Attach your current resume that includes your education, work experience and skills relevant to this position as it relates to meeting the requirements of this position.
• Cover Letter (optional) – Attach a cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and accomplishments and why you believe you would be the best candidate for this position,
• Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

 

How to Apply:

• External Candidates:  Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.
• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements.

 

After You Apply:

• Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline.
• Check your e-mail (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.

 

Reminders:

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation.
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.

 

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm.  If you are passionate about doing something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

 

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one full-time, permanent, SEIU represented Cook based in Salem, Oregon.
• This is an on-site position. “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.
• We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate for further consideration.

 

Contact Information
Recruiter: Cyndi Phipps-Roman

E-mail: cynthia.phipps-roman@oha.oregon.gov

Phone (text friendly): 503-569-0066

Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.