Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Forest

Are you passionate about the food service industry and motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change? As a Corrections Food Service Instructor with the Department of Corrections, you play a key part in teaching practical culinary skills that help inmates build a stronger future at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest. This position brings variety, teamwork, and meaningful daily interactions. Your instruction helps maintain smooth food service operations while supporting positive change. Apply today to step into a role that benefits both the facility and the individuals you guide.

This role focuses on leading inmate workers and supporting safe, efficient food service operations within the institution. The position combines instruction, supervision, and hands-on food preparation tasks. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

• Food Preparation Guidance: Instruct inmates in cooking, baking, and serving tasks in accordance with recipes
• Safety and Sanitation Oversight: Inspect work areas, tools, and food items to ensure compliance with safety and cleanliness standards
• Inventory and Storage: Manage food supplies, follow first-in-first-out procedures, and maintain proper storage practices
• Work Assignment Management: Plan and review inmate duties and keep accurate performance and work records
• Custody and Control: Maintain appropriate supervision and ensure secure, orderly conduct during work activities
• Operational Support: Assist with additional duties needed to keep food service operations running smoothly

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 are 1st shift (4:30 AM to 12:30 PM) or 2nd shift (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), with rotating days off. Your work schedule is to be determined.
• 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 $47,925.00 (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.

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.