Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Smithfield

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Corrections, invites applications for a Corrections Food Service Instructor at the State Correctional Institution at Smithfield. The role guides inmates in practical food service skills to promote healthier habits and future employment opportunities, while maintaining steady kitchen operations and enforcing structure, responsibility, and personal growth.

The position leads inmate workers in daily food service tasks and develops vocational skills,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Teach inmates how to prepare, cook, bake, and serve meals following established recipes and timelines.
• Ensure sanitation and safety standards are met in all food areas, tools, and equipment.
• Manage food and supply storage, follow FIFO procedures, and adjust recipes based on census and menu information.
• Plan and review daily work assignments for inmates and maintain performance records.
• Maintain custody and control of inmate workers during all assigned duties.
• Work shifts from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rotating schedule.
• No telework option for this position.

Skills

Leadership

Food service

Inmate supervision

Safety standards

Job description

Begin a rewarding career as a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield. In this role, you will guide inmates as they learn practical food service skills that support healthier habits and future employment opportunities. You will help maintain steady, reliable kitchen operations while promoting structure, responsibility, and personal growth.

Join a team that values your leadership and is committed to making a positive difference.

The position leads inmate workers in daily food service tasks and helps them develop valuable vocational skills. The work supports safe, efficient meal production and teaches habits that inmates can carry beyond their time in custody.

As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates how to prepare, cook, bake, and serve meals while following established recipes and timelines
• Safety Standards: Ensure that all food areas, tools, and equipment meet sanitation and safety requirements
• Inventory Control: Manage food and supply storage, follow first in first out procedures, and adjust recipes based on census and menu information
• Work Oversight: Plan and review daily work assignments for inmates and maintain accurate performance records
• Inmate Supervision: Maintain custody and control of inmate workers during all assigned duties
• Work shifts will be 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • You will work a rotating schedule.
• 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.

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 shifts will be 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • You will work a rotating schedule.
• 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.