Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Corrections Food Service Instructor at SCI Somerset to teach inmates practical kitchen skills and maintain a safe, structured kitchen environment.

You will lead food preparation instruction, sanitation training, and supervision of inmate workers while promoting growth and teamwork within a 40-hour work week. On-site shifts apply at SCI Somerset in Somerset, PA.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service in an institutional food service operation; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• Pass background investigation and CJIS compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Teach inmates food preparation, baking, production, and service techniques.
• Demonstrate proper sanitation standards and safe operation of kitchen tools and equipment.
• Check food service areas, supplies, and equipment for compliance with guidelines.
• Requisition, receive, and store food items following FIFO.
• Plan and review inmate assignments and maintain custody during work activities.

Skills

Food preparation

Food service

Safety training

Inmate instruction

Job description

$49,010.00 - $98,728.00 Annually

Somerset County, PA

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

N-2026-57665

Department of Corrections

CR SMR Food Svcs

09/02/2026

9/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

81510

00200709

PSCOA

H1

CO35

00116670

State Correctional Institution at Somerset

1590 Walters Mill Road

Somerset, Pennsylvania

15510

Corleen Schmucker

717.562.5736

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you ready to guide others in building strong food service skills as a Corrections Food Service Instructor for the Department of Corrections? This role allows you to help inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset learn practical kitchen techniques that can support future opportunities. You will create a structured environment where teamwork and safe practices come first. Your leadership will help shape productive routines and meaningful personal growth.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on teaching inmates the skills needed for safe, efficient food preparation and service within the institution. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Instruction: Teach inmates food preparation, baking, production, and service techniques
• Safety Training: Demonstrate proper sanitation standards and safe operation of kitchen tools and equipment
• Area Inspection: Check food service areas, supplies, and equipment to ensure compliance with established guidelines
• Supply Management: Requisition, receive, and store food items while following first-in, first-out procedures
• Work Oversight: Plan and review inmate assignments and maintain care, custody, and control during work activities

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
• Possible shifts include 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Your schedule will be determined by which shifts are open when you are hired.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.