Chaplain (35 Hour)
About The Position
The Connecticut Department of Correction is hiring a Protestant Chaplain to minister to the pastoral needs of people in state correctional facilities and conduct religious services. The role provides trauma-informed presence grounded in dignity, interfaith pastoral care, denomination-specific spiritual guidance, and religious programming intended to reduce recidivism. Chaplains serve both inmates and staff and work with varied offender populations across correctional facilities throughout Connecticut. This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position on a first-shift schedule. Scheduling is flexible based on program and facility needs, and worship services may be required during holidays. Selected candidates must attend a 14-week Training Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut. The position is supervised by the Religious Services Unit. The Chaplaincy Department delivers pastoral care, spiritual guidance, religious facilitation, and programming across the DOC’s facilities. The role may include working with visiting clergy, facility staff, individuals’ families, community clergy, and colleagues from different backgrounds and beliefs.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited three-year postgraduate theological seminary, or 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.
- 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.
- Ongoing, uninterrupted endorsement or credentialing by the same endorsing authority is a condition of employment.
- May be required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
- May be required to travel.
- Must attend the 14-week Training Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut if selected.
- Knowledge of pastoral ministry and ability to perform the requirements of formal religious services.
- Interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
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.
- Consult and collaborate with facility staff regarding religious concerns and problems.
- Interpret the Chaplain function to other facility departments.
- Participate in team meetings.
- Keep records and write reports.
- Assist in organizing and conducting seminars for community clergy.
- Participate in in-house educational programs.
- May speak to lay and professional groups.
- May train and conduct a choir.
- May serve on committees.
- May participate in the Employee Assistance Program.
- May counsel staff and their families.
- Provide worship services during holidays as needed.
- Conduct religious activities and programming aimed at reducing recidivism.
- Perform related duties as required.
Benefits
- Health and dental benefits.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualifying student loans after 10 years of service.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
