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Correctional Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

Food Service Worker

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$21/hr

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

Food Service Assistant (CD)

Hanover, VA ยท On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

... Correctional Facility. This position reports to the Food Services Manager and does not supervise ... Responsible for supervising the preparation, cooking and serving of meals in the facility for staff ...

Food Service Worker

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$21/hr

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

... correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a ... Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$20K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description


Food Service Worker
HRCAP Head Start/Early Head Start
As a Head Start Food Service Worker, you will work 30 hours per week and enjoy paid time off during Spring Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:Work as a member of the nutrition team and help provide healthy nutritious meals to Head Start students. To assist with preparation and storage of food for Head Start children as required by Head Start Performance Standards and USDA Guidelines.
SUPERVISOR:Nutrition Manager
DUTIES:
  • Transports food to classrooms within Head Start centers, to provide safe, sanitary, and pleasant meals for Head Start children and staff.Heats up food in microwave, when necessary.
  • Follow USDA Guidelines and Virginia State Health Regulations.
  • Interacts with staff, students, and families in a friendly manner.
  • Assists the cook in meal preparation of slicing, panning, bagging, labeling, and packaging of food in preparation for delivery and service to Head Start students.
  • Washes dishes, silverware, and pots daily according to State Health regulations of Virginia.
  • Uses spare time wisely to take advantage to complete weekly cleaning schedule.
  • Complete weekly inventory and maintain all supplies on a first in first out basis.
  • Stores food and supplies properly in accordance with kitchen policy and procedures, following USDA Guidelines and Virginia State Health Regulations.
  • Ensure all expired food items are disposed of and logged in a waste log.
  • Keeps kitchen and all equipment clean and sanitary at all times.
  • Communicate menu / inventory issues with Nutrition Manager so menu corrections and adjustments can be made.
  • Communicate needs of the classroom to the Cook and Nutrition Manager.
  • Wears proper attire and slip resistant shoes daily.
  • Always maintain professionalism while in Head Start service.
  • Always maintains professionalism while working at Head Start Agency.
  • Attends staff meetings as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Nutrition Manager or Director.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Requires knowledge and 2 years of experience in their area of Food Service.
  • Must have High School education or GED.
  • Have or complete within 90 days of employment: Food Service Managers Certification.
  • Must have reliable transportation and valid VA Drivers License.
  • The ability to read and understand recipes and assigned tasks.
  • Comfortable with use of email and technology.
  • Flexible in assignments of location, works together as a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • The ability to lift 30lbs.
  • The ability to stand for long (4 hours or more at a time) periods of time.
  • The ability to withstand the changing extreme hot to cold temperatures of a kitchen.

Benefits
Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, effective the first day of the month following your hire date. Benefits include:
โ€ข Paid Time Off:
oSick leave accrued at 5 hours per pay period
o1 paid day off annually for your birthday
o11 paid holidays, including major federal holidays
oOfficial Break Pay (Spring Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break)
โ€ข Health & Wellness:
oMedical, dental, and vision insurance available for employees and dependents
oHRCAP covers 75% of health insurance premiums
oCoverage begins the first of the month after hire
oPre-tax premium deductions via Section 125 Plan
โ€ข Retirement:
o403(b) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service
Additional details are provided in the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.