Columbia,SC,USA-based Correctional Food Service Officer I,II,III

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is one of the state's largest agencies, employing over 19,000 people dedicated to public safety through the care, custody, and supervision of adults convicted of violating North Carolina laws. This agency plays a crucial role in protecting citizens by managing state prisons and overseeing various divisions including Community Supervision, Comprehensive Health Services, Internal Affairs, and Rehabilitation & Reentry. The department's mission centers on safeguarding lives and property through prevention and protection while maintaining offender management within correctional facilities. The breadth of responsibilities covers everything from healthcare and facility operations to compliance and post-release supervision. The Correctional Food Service Officer I position is vital in this structured environment, focusing on overseeing food preparation and service within correctional institutions. This full-time role demands managing large-scale food production and the offender work teams involved in cooking, baking, serving, and cleaning up. Effective communication, both verbal and written, is critical for supervising teams and ensuring accurate record-keeping. Officers must ensure food service operations adhere to sanitation standards, nutritional guidelines, and proper maintenance of equipment. They are also responsible for inventory control, including timely ordering and rotating supplies to support smooth operations within the food service department. Compensation for Correctional Food Service Officers varies by level, with salary ranges from $32,639 to $62,971 depending on the rank of Officer I, II, or III. The state offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus for hires starting from July 1, 2025, and a higher $7,000 bonus for hires beginning before that date. An additional $1,000 applicant referral bonus is available under specific policies. The role requires working shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime, which reflects the 24/7 nature of correctional facility operations. State benefits accompany this position, making it an attractive career for individuals interested in public safety and correctional services. The Correctional Food Service Officer I classification supervises offenders in minimum custody facilities, where offenders require less oversight but still must be monitored during food service activities. Potential candidates have varied backgrounds, including experience in institutional food preparation, commercial food service management, or correctional officer duties. Certification eligibility by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission is a necessary qualification, aligning with the state’s efforts to maintain professional and competent staff. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Department of Adult Correction by ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals to the offender population. The position demands strong leadership skills to guide offender workers and enforce standards while maintaining security and operational efficiency within the food service environment. Candidates must be prepared for a dynamic work schedule and a demanding work environment that supports public safety and offender rehabilitation.

• high school or general educational development (GED) diploma
• one year of experience in institutional food preparation and food services, commercial food service management, or correctional officer duties
• eligible for certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission