The Corrections Food Service Instructor role with the Department of Corrections allows you to combine culinary knowledge with meaningful instruction. You will help inmates learn important food service skills that build confidence and responsibility. Your guidance supports safer operations and reliable meal preparation for the institution. Become part of the State Correctional Institution at Laurel Highlands and help shape a strong, productive work environment.
This position focuses on leading food service tasks while training inmates in safe, sanitary, and effective kitchen practices. The role supports daily meal production and helps maintain smooth operations across the food service area. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:
- Food Preparation Instruction: Teach inmates how to prepare, cook, and serve food according to recipes and production schedules
- Safety and Sanitation Training: Demonstrate proper equipment use, sanitation standards, and cleaning procedures
- Quality and Compliance Checks: Inspect food, equipment, and work areas to ensure adherence to safety rules, sanitation guidelines, and menu requirements
- Inventory and Supply Tasks: Receive, store, and monitor food and supplies while maintaining first in, first out procedures
- Work Assignment Oversight: Plan and review inmate work tasks, evaluate performance, and maintain records related to training
- Custody and Supervision: Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during all food service 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 hours per week
- Work shifts will be determined by open shifts at the time of hire.
- The 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.