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Prison Kitchen Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Prison Kitchen information

How much do prison kitchen workers make?

Prison kitchen workers typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the facility and location. They often require basic cooking skills and may work early morning or evening shifts in a correctional environment.

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

To thrive as a Prison Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and sometimes a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow strict procedures are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and help maintain order and security within the correctional facility.

What is the difference between Prison Kitchen vs Prison Cook?

AspectPrison KitchenPrison Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skillsFood handler’s permit, culinary training preferred
Work EnvironmentLarge institutional kitchen within prison facilityPreparing meals for inmates in prison kitchen
Employer & IndustryPrison system, correctional facilitiesPrison system, correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees meal preparation, manages kitchen staffPrepares meals, assists in kitchen operations

Prison Kitchen refers to the overall facility managing meal services within a correctional institution, while a Prison Cook is an individual responsible for preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Prison Kitchen encompasses the entire operation, whereas the Prison Cook focuses on food preparation tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a prison kitchen?

Working in a prison kitchen often involves unique challenges, such as maintaining strict security protocols while preparing and serving meals. Staff must carefully account for all kitchen tools and ingredients, ensure food safety standards are met, and manage time-sensitive meal schedules for large groups. Additionally, there is close collaboration with correctional officers and, in some cases, supervision of inmate workers, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Adapting to a highly regulated environment and adhering to institutional guidelines are essential for success in this role.

What is a prison kitchen?

Prison kitchen jobs involve preparing, cooking, and serving meals to inmates and staff within a correctional facility. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, cleaning kitchen areas, following strict safety and sanitation guidelines, and sometimes assisting with inventory or menu planning. Inmates assigned to kitchen jobs can gain valuable skills, work experience, and sometimes earn small incentives. Working in the prison kitchen also helps the facility run efficiently and ensures that all dietary needs are met. These jobs are typically supervised by correctional staff to maintain order and safety.
What are popular job titles related to Prison Kitchen jobs in Washington? For Prison Kitchen jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Prison Kitchen jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Prison Kitchen job openings:
Infographic showing various Prison Kitchen job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

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

Re-posted 20 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