Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Houtzdale

Full Job Description

If you are a driven, upbeat professional who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment and takes pride in helping others grow, the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale wants to meet you. We are looking for a skilled Corrections Food Service Instructor to join a mission-focused team dedicated to transforming lives. In this role, you will use your food service expertise to train and mentor individuals working toward a second chance, contributing directly to the Department of Corrections’ commitment to accountability, education, and positive change. This is your opportunity to bring your passion for food service to a career that makes a real impact—every single day.

Requirements

As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will manage the daily operations of the kitchen while providing practical vocational training to inmates. Your role involves teaching essential skills in food preparation, production, service, and baking, along with ensuring the safe and sanitary use of tools and equipment. You will be responsible for preparing meals according to set recipes, serving them on time, and adhering to safety and sanitation standards.

Additionally, you will handle the ordering, receiving, and storage of food and supplies, following strict first-in, first-out inventory practices. You will also plan and assign daily tasks for inmate workers, assess their performance, and keep accurate records for each individual. Throughout your responsibilities, it is crucial to maintain the care, custody, and control of inmates, ensuring a secure and organized work environment.

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
• Work hours are 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with rotating days off
• 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).
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

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.