SO Jail Chaplain

County of Weld•Greeley, CO

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Chaplain's role in a Jail setting is to ensure all religious activities and related decisions are consistent with constitutionally protected rights of incarcerated inmates, assuring the equal status and protections of all religions. The Jail Chaplain is charged to ensure that inmates receive appropriate religious accommodation(s) consistent with case law and constitutional protections. The chaplain not only facilitates access to religious services but also oversees the coordination of religious volunteers, ensures compliance with institutional policies, and advises on religious and ethical considerations within the jail environment. The Chaplain will work with Inmate Services and Jail Leadership to ensure the proper balance between religious expression and safety in the Detentions setting.

Requirements

Theology degree from an accredited seminary/bachelor’s degree in biblical counseling / Bachelor of Divinity or Clinical Pastoral Education or equivalent specialized training and endorsement by the appropriate religious certifying body.
5 years of formal religious pastoral/counseling experience.
Demonstrated success in coordinating oversight of religious programming to include, but not limited to, recruitment, supervision, training, and scheduling of groups and maintaining constructive working relationship with peers, volunteers, superiors and clergy within the community representing various faiths.
Demonstrated success in record keeping, professional documentation, and statistical reporting.
Interpersonal communication to deal effectively with and persuade people of differing backgrounds and behavior patterns in a wide range of settings.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Effectively plan, problem-solve and perform as a member of a work group.
Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; and the ability to count, sort, and categorize inventory items.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables, in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to define and analyze a problem, develop a range of possible solutions, identify and implement most appropriate solution and monitor results.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, schedule form.
Ability to operate telephones, computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, and printer/scanning instrumentation.
Ability to use warehouse equipment.
Independent reference skills to locate accurate information quickly.
Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.
Current certificate of ordination from governing body.
Acknowledgement that the role of Chaplain is non-denominational, the candidate must, with clear conscience, serve the needs of all inmates of all religious beliefs and affiliations.
Affirmation by the ordination or supervising authority that the candidate has not been the subject of a sustained complaint (administrative or criminal) of abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or sexual harassment of a parishioner, congregant, attendee, or any individual that would be considered as at-risk or where the candidate acted in a position of trust.
Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening.
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

Nice To Haves

Religious counseling experience with incarcerated individuals is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures that inmates have access to religious services, literature, and dietary accommodations as mandated by legal precedent, including the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
Oversees inmate religious programming, including recruitment, supervision, training, and scheduling of lay and clergy volunteers.
Assures equal status and protection of all religions.
Reviews and responds to inmate requests related to religious matters and accommodations.
Assists offenders with their spiritual needs, coordinates religious activities, maintains communication with faith communities, and connects inmates to community-based faith groups upon release.
Ensures all religious activities and decisions align with constitutionally protected rights of incarcerated inmates.
Works with Inmate Services and Jail Leadership to balance religious expression and safety.
Reports directly to the Inmate Services Director.
Communicates effectively orally and in writing, maintains trust and confidence of superiors, and follows directives.
Consults with and updates the Inmate Services Director and Custody Staff regarding the religious program.
Develops and maintains a comprehensive volunteer program.
Screens, trains, and manages religious volunteers, ensuring adherence to security protocols and facility policies.
Develops and maintains working relationships with the faith-based community and religious organizations.
Solicits donations of religious material.
Maintains volunteer files, including applications, criminal history records, contracts, orientation and training documentation, contact logs, performance actions, hours volunteered, and details of religious studies conducted.
Audits volunteer files annually for compliance.
Supervises all religious volunteers, contacting them quarterly to assess needs for assistance, training, material content, presentation, questions, issues, or mentoring.
Facilitates annual Criminal History checks of each volunteer.
Verifies and authorizes all visiting community clergy entering the facility.
Obtains necessary documentation from clergy (faith endorsement/licensure, driver's license) and verifies clergy through religious organization.
Facilitates a Criminal History check for clergy through internal processes.
Provides an orientation session for clergy prior to authorizing meetings with inmates.
Maintains a current Volunteer Calendar, assigning volunteers to specific housing units annually.
Prepares the Volunteer Calendar for the following year by December 15th and submits it to the Inmate Services Director for approval.
Notifies volunteers of housing unit assignment changes.
Provides a mandatory volunteer training session once per year for all religious volunteers, with additional sessions as needed.
Provides and conducts Volunteer Orientation sessions as needed.
Facilitates an annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
Contributes to policy formulation regarding religious practices and accommodations.
Investigates religious accommodations within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), including inmate interviews, research, and documentation.
Completes the “Religious Diet Participation Agreement” for approved inmates and monitors compliance.
Completes the “Religious Diet Non-Compliance Report” for non-compliant inmates.
Documents denied religious materials with a thorough explanation.
Responds to Step 1 grievances related to religious accommodations within ten working days.
Serves as a counselor for inmates during times of personal crisis, providing spiritual and emotional support.
Provides crisis, short-term pastoral care when requested by an inmate (excluding mental health or substance abuse counseling).
Refers inmates with mental health or substance abuse issues to appropriate staff.
Documents all pastoral care sessions in the facility computer system, balancing confidentiality with safety and security interests.
Completes death verifications and notifications during scheduled hours.
Records and documents actions taken related to religious accommodations, requests, volunteer training and scheduling, Grievance Responses, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
Provides statistical reports to the Director of Inmate Services, including annual reports, quarterly statistics, and monthly summaries of services provided.
Accurately and thoroughly documents all inmate contacts in the facility computer system on the date of service.
Provides short-term pastoral care when requested by an inmate.
Provides religious studies for inmates in housing units where volunteers are not allowed or cannot be accommodated, with a goal of recruiting volunteers for this service.