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Correctional Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook - Lead

Roanoke, VA

$17 - $21.50/hr

The Lead Cook will assist with planning and execution of the daily production, preparation, and ... You will conduct daily walk throughs of the kitchen, make recommendations for corrections, repairs ...

Cook - Lead

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

The Lead Cook will assist with planning and execution of the daily production, preparation, and ... You will conduct daily walk throughs of the kitchen, make recommendations for corrections, repairs ...

Cook

Ashburn, VA

$15 - $23/hr

As a Line Cook, you will be one of the driving forces behind the cafe's success, executing all ... Determine quick corrections to ensure constant food flow * Complete assigned work for stocking and ...

About This Position This position is working inside a jail/correctional facility at the Chesapeake ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

About This Position This position is working inside a jail/correctional facility at the Chesapeake ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

Showing results 21-40

Correctional Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$2.6K

$4.6K

$6.3K

How much do correctional cook jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average monthly pay for correctional cook in Virginia is $4,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,008.33 and $4,833.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correctional cook?

Correctional Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and cook meals for inmates, staff, and visitors in correctional facilities such as prisons or jails. They are responsible for following strict guidelines to ensure food safety, proper nutrition, and security protocols. Correctional Cooks often work as part of a team and may also supervise inmate kitchen workers, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. Their role is vital in maintaining daily operations and supporting the well-being of individuals within the facility.

What does a correctional cook do?

As a correctional cook, you prepare and serve meals to inmates in the kitchen of a correctional facility. Your responsibilities include cooking meals using commercial culinary equipment, supervising inmate workers that assist with food preparation, and fulfilling basic cleaning and sanitation duties. You help order, receive, check, and store food supplies, maintain security in the kitchen, enforce disciplinary measures if needed, and help train inmate workers on food service and equipment operation. You are also required to prepare reports and records and submit incident reports as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a correctional cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, large-scale food preparation, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and professional in a secure environment are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient meal service while maintaining order and upholding security protocols within correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional cooks, and how can they be managed on the job?

Correctional Cooks often face unique challenges such as preparing meals for large groups while adhering to strict security protocols and dietary guidelines. Managing time effectively is crucial, as meals must be served on schedule and within budget constraints. Additionally, Correctional Cooks work closely with correctional staff and may supervise inmates who assist in the kitchen, requiring strong communication and leadership skills to maintain safety and order. Adapting to limited resources and maintaining food safety standards are essential for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Correctional Cook vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCorrectional CookFood Service Worker
CredentialsFood handler permits, culinary trainingFood handler permits, basic training
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, secure environmentRestaurants, cafeterias, various settings
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, governmentHospitality, healthcare, education

Correctional Cooks and Food Service Workers both prepare food and require food safety certifications. However, Correctional Cooks work specifically within correctional facilities, handling secure environments and specialized protocols, while Food Service Workers operate in diverse settings like restaurants and cafeterias. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in environment and employer context.

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Correctional Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Correctional Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Correctional Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Correctional Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Correctional Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Cook jobs in VA?

For Correctional Cook jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Correctional Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,732 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Cook - Bon Air Juvenile Center

Whitsons Culinary Group

North Chesterfield, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Cook - Share Comfort and Care Through Every Meal

Cook with Compassion in a Structured Setting

Do you love preparing meals that make people feel at home? Are you looking for meaningful work where your skills truly make a difference? Join our team as a Cook in a secure juvenile corrections facility, where you'll help bring comfort, nourishment, and stability to those in your care-one plate at a time.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Preparing and cooking meals based on set menus and dietary guidelines
  • Following batch-cooking practices to ensure quality, freshness, and timing
  • Ensuring food is served safely-with correct portions, temperatures, and presentation
  • Keeping kitchen and prep areas clean, organized, and fully stocked
  • Logging food temperatures and completing required records and checklists
  • Assisting with food orders and deliveries
  • Following all sanitation, food safety, and company procedures
  • Supporting a respectful and routine-focused kitchen environment

Why This Job Matters:

  • Your meals help provide structure, health, and a sense of normalcy every day
  • You'll be part of a team dedicated to compassionate, professional care
  • We provide training and support to help you succeed and grow
  • Every dish you prepare helps someone feel valued and cared for

We're Looking For People Who Are:

  • Reliable, friendly, and eager to be part of a team
  • Focused on quality, safety, and cleanliness
  • Comfortable working in a structured, routine-based setting
  • Willing to learn and follow clear procedures and standards
  • Passionate about using their skills to make a positive impact

Who We Are:

At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal is a chance to provide more than just nourishment. In our residential dining programs, food brings dignity, care, and comfort. We take pride in creating welcoming kitchen environments that support routine, healing, and respect for all.

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

  • Consistent schedule - no late nights or major holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and build your culinary career
  • A supportive, mission-driven team that values your work

Apply today and help us live our mission: Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

Payrate: $20/hr

Education:

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must complete all Whitsons and government required training as necessary

Certifications:

  • ServSafe certification
  • Local food safety certification, if required in jurisdiction of employment.

Other Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:

  • Ability to speak and read English in order to understand and perform job assignments.
  • Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques.
  • 1 year professional culinary experience required
  • Always present a positive and professional image.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required:
  • To stand, walk, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools and controls; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is frequently required to lift and move up to 40 lbs
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include being able to see in dim lit areas such as walk-ins and storage areas.
  • Position may require extended hours including evenings and/or weekends, possible travel to other work sites.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is performed primarily in kitchen and storage setting The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.


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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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