Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Somerset

Salary: $47,925.00 - $96,538.00 Annually
Location : Somerset County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-51589
Department: Department of Corrections
Division: CR SMR Food Svcs
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 81510
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: PSCOA
Bargaining Unit: H1
Pay Group: CO35
Bureau / Division Code: 00116670
Bureau / Division: State Correctional Institution at Somerset
Worksite Address: 1590 Walters Mill Road
City: Somerset, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15510
Contact Name: Corleen Schmucker
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
Are you a highly energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with a passion for the food service industry? The Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset is seeking a Corrections Food Service Instructor to join our amazing team of instructors. Your work will keep the kitchen running smoothly and safely while giving inmate workers the chance to learn valuable skills.
If you have the required experience and have a desire to help inmates in becoming skilled in a trade, the DOC wants you to apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will function as lead worker by assigning, participating in, and reviewing routine and specialized food service tasks performed by inmates. Your work will contribute our mission to reduce criminal behavior by providing individualized treatment and education to offenders, resulting in successful community reintegration through accountability and positive change. You will perform the following duties:

• Food Service Instruction: Teach inmates food preparation, production, service, and baking; this includes how to follow a recipe and make sure meals are prepared and served on time
• Inspect Safety and Cleanliness: Instruct inmates in safe and sanitary operation of tools and equipment, cleaning, maintenance, and storage practices; inspect work areas, equipment, and food to make sure these standards are followed
• Meal Planning: Adjust recipes to make sure the right amount of food is made, recycle usable leftovers, and request, receive, and store food and supplies
• Worker Supervision: Plan and assign work, evaluate worker performance, and maintain records
• Care and Custody: Help ensure proper control over inmates by enforcing custody and security regulations

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
• Schedule to be determined by open shifts at the time of hire. Possible shifts: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, days off 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: 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.

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 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.
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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


How many years of full-time 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 do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

02


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03


How much college coursework have you completed in Foods, Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service, Institutional Management or a related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 60 credits or more
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

Required Question