Corrections Food Service Instructor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Coal Township (PA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's State Correctional Institution (SCI) Coal Township seeks a Corrections Food Service Instructor to lead inmate workers, teach food preparation skills, and maintain a structured learning environment in a corrections kitchen.

You will model safe cooking practices, supervise sanitation, manage inventory and work assignments, and help ensure meals are produced correctly while upholding custody and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in an institutional setting or equivalent.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Teach inmates how to prepare, produce, and serve meals according to recipes and standards
• Sanitation Oversight: Inspect tools, equipment, and food service areas to ensure cleanliness and safety compliance
• Inventory Control: Receive, store, and track food and supplies while following first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Assignment Planning: Assign tasks, review performance, and maintain records for inmate workers
• Custody and Safety: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during food service operations

Skills

Food preparation experience

Inmate supervision

Safety and sanitation practices

Education

Basic training completion

Job description

Are you inspired to guide meaningful work as a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections? This role allows you to teach inmates valuable skills while supporting safe and efficient food service operations at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Coal Township. You help prepare meals, model proper techniques, and create a structured learning environment. Join a team that values leadership, responsibility, and growth.

This position supports safe and efficient food service operations by leading inmate workers and teaching them core food preparation skills. The work ensures that meals are produced correctly while reinforcing safe practices and proper sanitation. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Preparation: Teach inmates how to prepare, produce, and serve meals according to recipes and standards
• Sanitation Oversight: Inspect tools, equipment, and food service areas to ensure cleanliness and safety compliance
• Inventory Control: Receive, store, and track food and supplies while following first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Assignment Planning: Assign tasks, review performance, and maintain records for inmate workers
• Custody and Safety: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during food service operations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours: Shifts include 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, following a rotating schedule. Your schedule will be determined.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $49,010.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service of a variety of complete meal menus in an institutional food service operation, food catering service, restaurant, or in a similar large-scale food production operation; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.