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Prison Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COOK

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$19 - $21.40/hr

Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. * Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National ...

Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. * Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National ...

COOK

Los Angeles, CA

$19 - $21.40/hr

Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. * Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National ...

Lead Cook

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. * Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National ...

Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. * Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National ...

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Prison Cafeteria information

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$8

$14

$19

How much do prison cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison cafeteria in the United States is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are prison cafeteria workers?

Prison cafeteria workers are individuals responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning meals for inmates and staff within a correctional facility. Their duties often include food preparation, cleaning kitchen and dining areas, following health and safety regulations, and occasionally supervising inmate workers. These workers play a vital role in maintaining nutrition standards and supporting the daily operations of the prison. They must also follow strict protocols to ensure safety and security in the kitchen and dining areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prison Cafeteria Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe meal preparation, maintain security, and support the daily operations within a correctional facility.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in a prison cafeteria?

Working in a prison cafeteria involves preparing and serving meals while adhering to strict safety and sanitation protocols. Staff members are responsible for monitoring and supervising inmate workers, ensuring food quality, and maintaining accurate inventory records. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with security personnel and other facility staff to ensure a safe and orderly environment during meal service. Attention to detail and the ability to follow institutional guidelines are essential to succeed in this position.

What is the difference between Prison Cafeteria Worker vs Prison Kitchen Staff?

AspectPrison Cafeteria WorkerPrison Kitchen Staff
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification
Work EnvironmentServing food in cafeteria setting within prisonPreparing and cooking meals in prison kitchen
Job DutiesServing food, assisting with meal distributionCooking, food prep, cleaning kitchen areas
Employer & IndustryPrison facilities, correctional institutionsPrison facilities, correctional institutions

Prison Cafeteria Workers primarily serve food and assist with meal distribution in the cafeteria, while Prison Kitchen Staff are involved in cooking, food preparation, and maintaining kitchen operations. Both roles require food safety training and work within correctional food service environments, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Prison Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.
Operations Manager 801 East Collaborative, (1214)

Operations Manager 801 East Collaborative, (1214)

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington

Washington, DC • On-site

$76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our “promote from within” culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.


JOB SUMMARY: The Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of the 801 East Collaborative Facility, including administration, cleanliness, safety, and security, to provide a safe environment for the shelter guests, staff, volunteers and visitors. The position carries significant leadership responsibilities and is responsible for Catholic Charities operations staffing and drives continuous quality improvement initiatives to achieve program goals.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Provides supervision of up to seven (7) FTE Program Supervisors.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Staff Supervision
  1. Directly manages a team of Program Supervisors who oversee teams of Shelter monitors. This includes monitoring staffing levels, performance evaluation, coaching, training, and employee discipline; setting standards for customer service; conducting regular staff meetings; communicating policies and procedures; and facilitating team dynamics.
  2. Maintains communication with direct reports (Program Supervisors) and assists with daily challenges to ensure Shelter Monitors are performing their jobs in keeping the facility clean and safe and documenting all activities in the logbook.
  3. Manages the monthly shift schedule and is responsible for ensuring the facility has 24/7 coverage. Monitors shelter monitors payroll timecards to minimize overtime and callouts.
  4. Conducts staff onboarding training for new Program Supervisors and Shelter Monitors. Assists with recruiting, interviewing and facilitating the movement of hire packets in a timely manner.
  • Manage shelter operations functions:
  1. Oversee and manage shelter emergency management systems including but not limited to the following: program FERC binder, conducting safety inspections, safety related trainings for staff, building inspections, etc.
  2. Maintains security of the shelter by closely monitoring the facility and following shelter procedures; monitoring logbook; ensuring the shelter is staffed properly.
  3. Works with the Sr. Program Manager - Operations, Program Director and Director of Men's Shelter Operations to determine facility, equipment, and operational needs of the site.
  4. Manages and implements facilities operations, maintenance, janitorial and kitchen operation procedures and ensures adherence to District of Columbia, OSHA, contract and agency guidelines, safety regulations and laws.
  5. Oversees and manages shelter emergency management team systems including but not limited to program FERC binder, conducting safety inspections, safety related training for staff, building inspections, and monthly Fire Drills. Manages shelter disaster response planning and serves as point person for disaster planning response.
  6. Works with the Catholic Charities Director of Facilities and Senior Manager of Operations to ensure the safety of the building and grounds.
  7. Conduct regular facility inspections, request repairs utilizing the DGS work order system, schedule and follow up as needed to close out the request in a timely manner.
  8. Provide weekly operations updates to the Senior Program Manager -- Operations, 801 East Director, and Director of Men’s Shelter Operations and provide operations updates at monthly staff meetings.
  9. Manages food vendor to ensure meals are served on time and in compliance with food handling/environmental health standards/DC regulations; and ensures the cafeteria and kitchen area is clean and orderly
  10. Maintain a functional understanding and oversight of all shelter contracts. Is accountable for meeting program needs while adhering to budgetary constraints to include effectively managing resources to ensure operational efficiency and financial prudence
  11. Demonstrates familiarity and adherence to the policies and procedures outlined by Catholic Charities, the Housing & Homeless Services Department and shelter contracts.
  12. Participate in quality improvement and actively comply with quality improvement initiatives.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements:

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years’ experience managing a team in homeless services programs.
  • In lieu of educational requirements applicant must have 7 years of experience managing teams in a homeless services program.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

  • Ability to work effectively with clients in a diverse community. Ability to work well independently and with a team.
  • Microsoft Office skills to include MS360, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Benefits Package:

  • Robust Professional development and training opportunities
  • Medical, prescriptions, dental and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Company-paid and supplemental life insurance
  • Short Term/ Long Term disability
  • Group Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Other Volunteer Insurance Benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Paid vacation, sick and personal leave
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Parenting leave
  • Pet’s Insurance

Work Schedule: On-Site Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM