Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

SCI Somerset is seeking a Corrections Food Service Instructor to teach inmates in food preparation and production within a correctional setting. You will oversee meal production, safety, inventory, and inmate supervision while delivering hands-on vocational training and ensuring compliance with sanitation standards.

This full-time role offers 40 hours per week with early morning or evening shifts (4:00 AM–12:00 PM or 11:00 AM–7:00 PM).

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in an institutional setting.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training accepted.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.

Responsibilities

• Teach inmates food preparation, production, service, and baking through hands-on instruction.
• Monitor safety, sanitation, and compliance in tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Guide meal production according to recipes and schedules.
• Review menus, census, adjust recipes, and manage inventory with FIFO practices.
• Plan work assignments and supervise inmate workers during operations.
• Complete inmate worker evaluations and maintain performance records.

Education

Basic training in Elizabethtown, PA

Job description

If you are passionate about teaching practical skills and making a positive impact, the Corrections Food Service Instructor position at State Correctional Institute (SCI) Somerset offers a rewarding opportunity. This role combines instruction, leadership, and food service operations to help prepare inmates for future success. Each day brings the chance to build job‑ready skills, encourage personal growth, and promote safe food service practices. Join a team that makes a difference through training, mentorship, and public service!

The Corrections Food Service Instructor at SCI Somersetoversees food service activities while providing hands‑on vocational instruction to inmate workers in a correctional setting. This role supports meal preparation, food safety, inventory practices, and inmate supervision. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Service Training: Teach inmates food preparation, production, service, and baking through hands‑on vocational instruction
• Safety Oversight: Monitor tools, equipment, food, and work areas to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards
• Meal Production: Guide meal preparation according to recipes and ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule
• Inventory Control: Review menus and census information, adjust recipes, receive supplies, and follow first-in, first-out storage practices
• Inmate Supervision: Plan work assignments, maintain custody and control, and oversee inmate activities during food service operations
• Record Maintenance: Complete inmate worker evaluations and maintain accurate performance and work 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 will be determined at time of hire. Possible shifts are as follows:
  • 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM to 7:00 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). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• 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.