Corrections Food Service Instructor SCI Forest

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Jenks Township (PA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's State Correctional Institution Forest seeks a Corrections Food Service Instructor to guide inmate workers in safe, professional kitchen operations, teaching food preparation, service, and sanitation. Work is full-time, 40 hours weekly, with rotating shifts (4:30 AM–12:30 PM and 12:00 PM–8:00 PM); starting salary is $49,010 per year.

Two years of institutional food service experience or an equivalent combination of training are required, plus basic training in

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in an institutional or large-scale food operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates proper methods of food preparation, production, service, and baking
• Safety Training: Coach inmates on safe and sanitary use of kitchen tools, equipment, and workspace practices
• Meal Preparation: Prepare meals according to recipes and ensure timely service throughout the facility
• Sanitation Checks: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to verify compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Supply Management: Receive, store, and track food supplies while enforcing first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Plan inmate work assignments, review performance, and maintain accurate records

Job description

Are you ready to motivate growth and teamwork in a structured kitchen environment? The Corrections Food Service Instructor position at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest offers a chance to guide meaningful learning each day. This role lets you help others build strong kitchen skills and safe food practices. You will be part of a team that values leadership, patience, and steady improvement. Bring your strengths to an agency that depends on reliable instruction and positive direction!

This position guides inmate food service workers and ensures that all kitchen tasks are completed safely and correctly. It focuses on teaching important vocational skills and maintaining high standards across all food service areas. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates proper methods of food preparation, production, service, and baking
• Safety Training: Coach inmates on safe and sanitary use of kitchen tools, equipment, and workspace practices
• Meal Preparation: Prepare meals according to recipes and ensure timely service throughout the facility
• Sanitation Checks: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to verify compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Supply Management: Receive, store, and track food supplies while enforcing first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Plan inmate work assignments, review performance, and maintain accurate records

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 are to be determined with rotating days off. Potential shifts include:
  • 1st Shift (4:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
  • 2nd Shift (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
• 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 Requirement:

• 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.