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Prison Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Cook information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do prison cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison cook in Washington is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison cook?

Prison cooks are individuals responsible for preparing and serving meals to inmates within correctional facilities. They follow strict guidelines to ensure food safety and nutritional standards, often working with limited ingredients and under tight security measures. Prison cooks may be civilian staff or inmates themselves, depending on the facility's policies. Their duties include menu planning, food preparation, cleaning kitchen areas, and adhering to health regulations. The role is crucial for maintaining the well-being of inmates and the smooth operation of the facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison cook?

To thrive as a Prison Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience with large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and adherence to institutional regulations is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to remain calm and cooperative in a controlled environment are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal service that meets nutritional standards while maintaining security and order within the facility.

What are some common challenges faced by a prison cook, and how can they be managed?

Prison cooks often work with limited resources, strict budgets, and must adhere to specific dietary guidelines to accommodate inmates' health needs and religious requirements. Security protocols are a major consideration, as kitchen tools and ingredients are closely monitored. To overcome these challenges, successful prison cooks focus on careful planning, creative use of available ingredients, and close collaboration with correctional officers to maintain safety and efficiency in the kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Prison Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectPrison CookCafeteria Worker
Required CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, basic food prep skills
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facility kitchenSchool, hospital, or corporate cafeteria
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions

Prison Cooks and Cafeteria Workers both prepare food in institutional settings and require food safety certifications. However, Prison Cooks work specifically within correctional facilities, handling security protocols and specialized menus, while Cafeteria Workers typically serve in educational or healthcare environments with a focus on customer service. Both roles involve food prep and sanitation, but the work environment and security considerations distinguish them.

Prison Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Peer Specialist, (1123) ACT

Washington, DC • On-site

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washingtonexternal

$18.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

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 Peer Specialist provides Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services to consumer. The position supports ACT team members who provide highly individualized services in the community consistent with the principles and practices of the ACT Fidelity Model. 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services to consumers.
  1. Teach Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in the areas of personal hygiene, grooming and self-care, including housekeeping and cooking.
  2. Provide office and community based one-on-one support for ACT consumers including meeting weekly for six months to increase consumer’s ability to effectively participate in the prevention of predictable problems and management of treatment of their illnesses, both physical and mental.
  3. Travel teaching to and from various appointments.
  4. Support consumers in stressful situations.
  5. Teach coping skills and community integration skills.
  6. Assist consumers with the acquisition of Medicaid, Social Security, housing and other benefits.
  7. Assist consumers in establishing relationships with family members.
  8. Facilitate Peer Support Groups for individuals with co-occurring and substance abuse disorders.
  • Maintain an acceptable productivity level, approximately 4 hours per day.
  1. Document all services in the electronic database by close of business following the date of service.
  2. Review all daily service encounters and progress notes no less than weekly.
  • Provide support to ACT team members in areas of peer recovery, rehabilitation, and treatment to promote a culture which reflects the consumer’s point of view.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of strengths, educational and employment opportunities as identified in the individual recovery plan.
  • Foster connections with faith-based organizations, self-help groups and mutual support groups.
  • Participate in weekly and/or situational supervisory sessions with Team Lead to review consumer health goals/progress, assess intervention techniques and further develop skill in health education.
  • Attend daily morning meetings and clinical rounds as appropriate.
  • Maintain adherence to all policies and procedures consistent with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Adhere to the principles and practices of the ACT Fidelity Model.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements:

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

  • High school diploma or equivalency.
  • Peer training program and active Peer Specialist certification from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Peer Specialist certification in another state must be approved by DBH.
  • 2 years’ experience working in a social services environment.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

  • Driving is required. Must have valid local driver’s license and clean driving record. At least 50% of services are provided in the community and 50% are face-to-face.
  • Oral, written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Skills in co-occurring disorders treatment.

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: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 

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