Religious Coordinator

GARDAWORLD FEDERAL SERVICES LLC•El Paso, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Religious Services Coordinator plans, directs, and supervises all aspects of the religious program at a detention facility in accordance with the National Detention Standards 2025. This position ensures individuals have reasonable and equitable opportunities to practice their religious faiths while maintaining facility safety and security.

Requirements

Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate theological degree from an accredited institution, OR
Bachelor's degree in theology, religious studies, or related field with five (5) years of professional chaplaincy experience
Minimum three (3) years of experience providing religious services in a correctional, detention, military, or institutional setting
Demonstrated experience working with diverse faith traditions and populations
Ordination, commissioning, or endorsement by a recognized religious body
Comprehensive knowledge of world religions, faith practices, dietary laws, and religious calendars
Ability to provide or coordinate services for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, and other faith traditions
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity
Ability to maintain neutrality and provide equitable support across all faith groups
Understanding of security requirements in a detention environment
Proficiency in written documentation and record-keeping
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals in crisis
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Must successfully complete a background investigation and obtain facility access
Must complete all required facility training, including security and emergency procedures
Must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with detainee population

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising volunteers or staff preferred
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units preferred
Board certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or equivalent organization preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
May require occasional work on evenings, weekends, and religious holidays

Responsibilities

Plan, administer, and coordinate all religious programming in an organized and orderly manner
Develop and maintain a schedule of worship services and religious instructional opportunities for all faith groups represented in the detainee population
Ensure equal status for all religions without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
Maintain accurate records of religious services, attendance, and pastoral care contacts
Manage the religious services budget, supplies, and equipment
Coordinate with facility administration on space allocation and scheduling for religious activities
Provide pastoral care and individual counseling to detainees on ethical, moral, and spiritual matters
Respond to crisis situations and provide spiritual support during emergencies
Conduct or arrange religious rites, sacraments, and ordinances consistent with detainee faith traditions
Visit detainees in Special Management Units and medical housing to ensure continued access to religious services compatible with security and medical requirements
Recruit, screen, train, and supervise external clergy, contractors, and volunteers from faith traditions represented in the detainee population
Maintain relationships with community religious organizations to expand available services
Approve and orient volunteer religious service providers in accordance with facility security protocols
Document all recruitment efforts for external religious providers
Advise facility administration on religious dietary requirements and approve religious meal accommodations
Review and approve requests for religious property, materials, and instructional items
Ensure detainees have access to approved religious texts, items, and attire consistent with security requirements
Advise on religious accommodation requests and practices
Ensure program compliance with PBNDS 2011 standards and applicable federal law
Prepare reports and documentation for ICE inspections and audits
Participate in facility meetings and coordinate with security, medical, and administrative staff
Stay current on religious accommodation law and detention standards