The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking dedicated Corrections Food Service Instructors to join the team at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This role offers a chance to teach valuable skills while guiding inmates through daily food service tasks. You will help support smooth kitchen operations and create a structured learning environment. Bring your leadership and enthusiasm to a position that makes a meaningful difference each day.
This position supports kitchen operations by training inmate workers, inspecting food service activities, and ensuring established procedures are followed. It focuses on instruction, food preparation oversight, and maintaining orderly and sanitary work areas. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:
- Culinary Instruction: Teach inmates proper methods for food preparation, production, service, and baking
- Sanitation Practices: Demonstrate safe and sanitary operation of tools, equipment, and cleaning procedures
- Meal Preparation: Guide the preparation of meals according to recipes and maintain timely service standards
- Area Inspection: Review food service areas, equipment, and food items to ensure compliance with sanitation requirements
- Supply Management: Requisition, receive, and store ingredients and supplies while ensuring first-in, first-out procedures are followed
- Work Coordination: Plan inmate job assignments, evaluate worker performance, and maintain care and control during tasks
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 by open shifts at the time of hire. Possible shifts include:
- 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 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: 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.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
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.