Corrections Food Service Coordinator (Portland) Temporary Opportunity

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) is a prominent governmental agency responsible for the supervision and management of over 12,000 adults in custody within 12 state prisons across Oregon. The department also plays a pivotal role in advising and evaluating county programs overseeing probation and parole, impacting more than 24,000 offenders within Oregon's communities. Committed to its mission to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives, ODOC fosters a workplace that prioritizes safety, trust, and inclusivity. The agency is dedicated to creating an anti-racist corrections system that welcomes and respects all individuals while being free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Providing employees with an engaging environment, ODOC offers various programs and opportunities focused on safety and health for staff, volunteers, and adults in custody alike.

This job opportunity is for a temporary Corrections Food Service Coordinator position based at Columbia River Correctional Institution in Portland, Oregon. This role is crucial within a correctional facility and involves managing daily food operations to ensure meals are safely prepared, timely served, and consistent with nutritional standards. As a Food Service Coordinator, you will lead and supervise adults in custody (AICs) involved in food service work programs, enabling them to acquire essential skills and experiences for future opportunities. This temporary position is anticipated to last six months, with potential adjustments based on business needs.

Your responsibilities as a Food Service Coordinator will be diverse and vital to maintaining the orderly and secure functioning of the food service department within the institution. You will coordinate, assign, and supervise work crews comprised of AICs, ensuring compliance with facility rules, procedures, and security protocols, including conducting searches for contraband and monitoring work area conditions. The role also involves leadership in food preparation and service, including operation of commercial kitchen equipment, ensuring quality controls, managing special diet accommodations, and promoting practices to minimize waste. Additionally, you will oversee sanitation practices, maintain supply requisition and inventory procedures, and keep accurate records relating to food production and AIC work hours.

The position requires working in a secure institutional environment, adhering strictly to security protocols, and addressing potentially volatile situations involving adults in custody. Candidates must be aware that they may encounter hostile or abusive behavior and must ensure safety while maintaining a positive and disciplined food service work environment. This role is unrepresented and may qualify for Police & Fire benefits through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as defined by statute. The salary range for this position is between $5,233 and $6,271, reflecting the temporary nature and responsibilities of the job.

In joining the Oregon Department of Corrections as a Corrections Food Service Coordinator, you become part of a committed team dedicated to innovative correctional practices that benefit the community. You will contribute to the department's efforts to promote accountability, support rehabilitation, and provide nutritious meals in a challenging and structured setting. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about culinary management and leadership within a public service and institutional context, offering a unique opportunity to impact lives positively while maintaining the highest standards of security and food safety.