Chaplain (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Bridgeport, CT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Correction is hiring a Muslim Chaplain to minister to the pastoral needs of people in state correctional facilities and conduct religious services. Under the supervision of the Religious Services Unit, the Chaplain offers trauma-informed presence grounded in dignity to staff and inmates, provides interfaith pastoral care and denomination-specific spiritual guidance, facilitates individual and collective religious activities, and conducts programming intended to reduce recidivism. The role serves varied offender populations and involves working with facility staff, visiting clergy, individuals, and families. The recruitment may be used to fill vacancies at correctional facilities throughout Connecticut.

This is a full-time position with a first-shift schedule, 35 hours per week, and a flexible schedule based on program and facility needs. Meeting departmental needs includes providing worship services during holidays. Candidates selected for the position must attend a 14-week Training Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut.

The job class is accountable for ministering to the pastoral needs of a state hospital, correctional facility, or agency population and conducting religious services. Incumbents must meet the specified theological or denominational training requirement and have at least one year of pastoral or equivalent recognized-denomination experience. They must be ordained or commissioned by a religious body and have ongoing, uninterrupted endorsement by an acceptable recognized denominational authority. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license and travel may be required.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education or training requirements: graduation from an accredited three-year postgraduate theological seminary; a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent; or completion of all formal religious training required by a recognized religious denomination to perform the pastoral role.
• At least one year of pastoral experience or equivalent experience within a recognized religious denomination.
• Must have been ordained or commissioned by a religious body and received endorsement from an acceptable recognized denominational authority for the position; endorsement or credentialing by the same authority must remain ongoing and uninterrupted as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of pastoral ministry and ability to perform the requirements of formal religious services.
• Interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Must attend the 14-week Training Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut if selected.
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and may be required to travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Clinical Pastoral Education.
• Experience working with diverse cultures.
• Experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
• Experience working in a team environment with people from different backgrounds or beliefs.
• Experience working with other faith traditions.
• Regional or national endorsement, ordination, or faculties.

Responsibilities

• Preach and conduct religious services in a state facility.
• Administer religious rites and sacraments.
• Prepare and preach sermons.
• Confer with visiting clergy.
• Counsel individuals and their families under appropriate clinical supervision.
• Collaborate and consult with facility staff regarding religious concerns and problems.
• Interpret the Chaplain function to other departments in the facility.
• Facilitate individual and collective religious activities and provide interfaith pastoral care and denomination-specific spiritual guidance.
• Conduct programming intended to reduce recidivism.
• Provide worship services during holidays as required by departmental needs.
• Participate in team meetings, keep records, and write reports.
• Assist in organizing and conducting seminars for community clergy and participate in in-house educational programs.
• May speak to lay and professional groups, train and conduct a choir, serve on committees, participate in the Employee Assistance Program, and counsel staff and their families.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time