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Prison Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prison Chef information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do prison chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison chef in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prison chef do?

A Prison Chef is responsible for preparing and overseeing meals for inmates and staff within a correctional facility. Their duties include planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines, managing kitchen staff (often including inmates), ensuring food safety standards are met, and maintaining inventory of kitchen supplies. They play an important role in the daily operations of the prison by ensuring meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Additionally, Prison Chefs may help teach inmates valuable culinary skills that can be used after release.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a prison chef?

To thrive as a Prison Chef, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a food handler’s certification or relevant culinary qualification. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and institutional menu planning tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial for managing diverse teams and maintaining order in a secure environment. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meal preparation under strict regulations, promoting safety and efficiency within the correctional facility.

What are common challenges faced by a prison chef, and how can they be addressed?

Prison Chefs often face challenges such as working with limited budgets, adhering to strict dietary regulations, and managing large-scale food preparation for diverse inmate populations. Additionally, there is a need to maintain high standards of food safety and security within a controlled environment. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational skills, being resourceful with available ingredients, and fostering effective communication with both kitchen staff and correctional officers to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Prison Chef vs Correctional Cook?

AspectPrison ChefCorrectional Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentPrison kitchens within correctional facilitiesPrison kitchens within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCorrectional institutions, government agencies
Job DutiesPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staffPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staff

Prison Chef and Correctional Cook roles are similar, both working within correctional facility kitchens and requiring culinary certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Prison Chef' is often used in media and public references, while 'Correctional Cook' is the official job title in many institutions. Both positions focus on preparing nutritious meals for inmates in secure environments.

What are popular job titles related to Prison Chef jobs in California?

For Prison Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prison Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prison Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Prison Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Psychiatrist - Part Time - Corcoran

KurzSolutions

Corcoran, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Get on (and in!) the Green in Corcoran, California

Corcoran, California is the center hub for multiple luscious, rolling green hills belonging to prestigious golf courses that you can kick back in your cart, relax, and enjoy the beath-taking views. Enjoy proximity to the Tulare Golf Course, the Valle Oaks Golf Course and of course, the Lemoore Golf Course. If that's not your style then fret not, there are ample things and areas open for exploration! The Kings River offers full days of outdoor excitement ranging from river tours, fly fishing to hiking. Then again, if the outdoors isn't exactly appealing, make your way to downtown where you can spend your days leisurely strolling through the town and finding which shops will be your favorite place to go and which restaurants have the best chefs in their kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Corcoran has a spot reserved just for you, and it's yours for the taking!

About the Facility – California State Prison – Corcoran CSP-Corcoran is a complex, multi-mission institution comprised of the following facilities: Level I, Level III, Level IV, Administrative Segregation Unit, Security Housing Unit, Protective Housing Unit, General Population, Prison Industry Authority, a fully licensed Correctional Treatment Center, Long Term Restricted Housing and Enhanced Program Facility. California Correctional Health Care Services designated COR a "basic care" institution. Basic care institutions maintain a generally healthy patient population with the capability of providing specialty medical services. We maintain 50 licensed beds in our Correctional Treatment Center (CTC), 24 Mental Health Crisis Beds (MHCB), and 14 beds in out Outpatient Housing Unit (OHU). August 16, 2015, COR received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. This accreditation program is based on national standards set by the American Correctional Association. Facility Address: 4001 King Ave, Corcoran, CA 93212

Requirements (Duties Include But Are Not Limited To)
  • Meet with mentally ill patient-inmates/youths for crisis interventions, face-to-face interviews, etc. Must be able to provide clinical face-to-face interviews at cell fronts in inmate housing units. In some institutions, multi-tiered housing units may require the ability to climb stairs and walk long distances.
  • Conduct initial mental health evaluations including criminal, psychiatric, and substance abuse case history to assess inmate's/ward's current needs and make treatment recommendations in the initial evaluation.
  • Conduct clinically sound suicide risk evaluations including clinical reviews, applying suicide risk assessment protocols, pertinent data/chart reviews, proper documentation and consultations as needed.
  • Participate in Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDTT) meetings.
  • Document all care provided to the patient-inmate/ward, including face-to-face contacts and IDTT meetings.
  • Monitor inmate/ward progress using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan and Education (SOAPE) formatted progress notes.
  • Effectively applies community standard of practice for psychiatric treatment modalities and ethical standards.
  • Perform mental status exam (MSE) in face-to-face clinical interviews.
  • Identify the relevant signs and symptoms of medical/psychological disorders in order to comprehensively diagnose, assess and manage the presenting symptomatology.
  • Examine prior mental health records, institutional chromos, probation reports, court records and other available documents to assist in the formulation of patient's diagnosis and aid in the development of the inmate's/ward's treatment plans.
  • Review, examine and diagnose psychiatric patients of all ages and patient records and files in mental health program to determine progress, effectiveness and/or appropriateness of treatment services.
  • Consult, as necessary, with supervising psychiatrist on unusual, complex, or serious cases, or present such cases to a clinical conference for advice or decision.
  • Provide clinical consultation to psychiatric staff on unusual, complex or serious problems and cases where technical expertise is needed.
  • Prescribe medication as deemed appropriate for treatment and utilize the CDCR Correctional Formulary or obtain non-formulary approval.
  • Interpret laboratory results and make clinically appropriate referrals to medical services, as appropriate.
  • Determine type of psychiatric and general medical treatment needed.
  • Prescribe changes in treatment when indicated.
  • When conditions are suspected, adhere to mandated reporting requirements regarding California Psychiatrists, including, but not limited to, reported child and elder abuse, danger to self or others, duty to warn (Tarasoff) reporting and other confidentiality mandates.
  • Develop a therapeutic relationship with the patient-inmate's/ward's families and caretakers to enhance effective treatment delivery.
  • Work in consult with primary care medicine in identifying and managing co-occurring, co-morbid and treatment related medical conditions.
  • Make clinical rounds and review progress of patients, including assessments in inmate/ward housing units.
  • Serve periodically as psychiatrist-of-the-day for on-call/call back during weekend and off-hours for patient emergencies, Mental Health Crisis Beds follow up, and 5-day follow ups.
  • Administer psychiatric treatment with assistance, as necessary, from other health care providers.
  • Maintain order and supervise conduct of persons committed to the correctional facility in order to prevent escapes or injury by these persons to themselves or others.
  • Wear personal protective equipment, clothing and breathing apparatus to prevent injuries and exposures to blood/air borne pathogens.
  • Participate in committees and Quality Improvement Teams.
  • Compile and analyze data from audits pertaining to the mental health program requirements.
  • Provide information (i.e., appointment documentation, no-shows, etc.) to support staff for data entry.
  • Protect and maintain safety and security of property, including documentation of unusual occurrence and inventory control of psychological testing material, reference material, computers, and other equipment.
  • Give input and help to implement new programs for the treatment, training or rehabilitation of patient-inmates/youths as directed by the CEO/CMH, Chief Psychiatrist, Senior Psychiatrist or designee.
  • Instruct health care providers, and staff assigned for special training on the principles and practices of psychiatry.
Qualifications
  • Must have and maintain a current license to practice as a psychiatrist issued by the State of California.
  • Must have and maintain current 1st Aid and CPR Certification from American Heart Association (AHA) or Red Cross.
  • Minimum of twelve (12) continuous months of experience within the last thirty-six (36) months performing services similar in scope to those defined herein, in a public or private institution. Internship does not count towards the required experience.

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