Corrections Food Service Instructor SCI Laurel Highlands

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's State Correctional Institution Laurel Highlands seeks a Corrections Food Service Instructor to lead inmate workers in food preparation, safety, and equipment use, shaping vocational learning and operational efficiency.

You will train, guide, and oversee meal production, sanitation, supply handling, and record keeping, with a focus on safety and compliance in a structured corrections environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service of a variety of meals in an institutional food service operation.
• Completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.
• You must pass a background check and CJIS compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Teach inmates food preparation, baking, service, and safe operation of tools and equipment.
• Inspect food, equipment and work areas to ensure safety and sanitation standards.
• Prepare meals according to recipes, manage timing, and minimize waste.
• Requisition, receive, and store food and supplies following FIFO procedures.
• Assign tasks, maintain work records, and evaluate inmate worker performance.
• Maintain care, custody, and control during work assignments.

Job description

Are you looking for a role where your leadership in the kitchen helps guide vocational learning as a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections? At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands, you support inmate workers by teaching food preparation, safety practices, and proper equipment use. You join a team that values structure, dependability, and strong instruction. This position offers a chance to build skills while contributing to safe and efficient food service operations.

This position leads inmate workers in food service operations by providing training, guidance, and oversight in meal preparation and sanitation. It supports safe, efficient kitchen practices that help maintain high standards across the institution. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Vocational Training: Teach inmates food preparation, baking, service, and safe operation of tools and equipment
• Quality Control: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Meal Production: Prepare meals according to recipes, manage timing, and recycle leftovers to reduce waste
• Supply Management: Requisition, receive, and store food and supplies while following first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Assign tasks, maintain work records, and evaluate performance of inmate workers
• General Duties: Carry out related responsibilities and maintain care, custody, and control during work assignments

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 hour-work week
• Work hours and schedule will be determined by open shifts at the time of hire.
• 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:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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.