Religious Coordinator - Nebraska Correctional Center for Women

State of Nebraska•York, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) employs nearly 2,300 team members operating nine institutions statewide which house approximately 5,800 inmates. The department's focus includes inmate programming and education, physical and behavioral health care, re-entry services, and community programs, and is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). The Religious Coordinator will model the NDCS values of integrity, respect, compassion, growth, and excellence as we accomplish our mission, "Keep people safe." NDCS does not employ faith-specific chaplains. Rather, the role of the Religious Coordinator is to administrate all 21 NDCS accommodated religions, ensuring that Incarcerated individuals' constitutional right to worship is honored while maintaining the safety and security of the facility. It’s a position that requires a rare combination of passion for service, mental agility, administrative skills, compassion, expert knowledge of religious practices (AND a willingness to keep learning more), as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

Requirements

Post high school coursework and/or experience in theology, sociology, psychology, counseling, or other behavioral sciences areas.
Knowledge of the goals, laws, rules, policies and operations pertinent to NDCS.
Knowledge of the psychological, mental, religious and social needs of individuals within the institution.
Knowledge of the religious rites, beliefs and practices of major religious organizations.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical pastoral care, including counseling, basic psychology, the basic principles of developmental theory and group dynamics.
Knowledge of community religious organizations and resources.
Ability to supervise the religious rites practiced by various religious groups.
Ability to communicate productively with institutional individuals, their families and staff members both orally and in writing.
Ability to assess the religious needs of individuals.
Ability to develop policies, goals and standards for the operation of the religious program.
Ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers who assist with the religious program.
Ability to organize and coordinate a program involving the religious needs of many separate and different religious preferences.
Must pass a medical exam.
Must pass a drug test.
Must successfully complete the fully paid Nebraska Corrections Training Program.

Nice To Haves

Willingness to keep learning more about religious practices.

Responsibilities

Coordination of religious services and activities within the facility.
Recruitment and supervision of volunteers to assist with the religious program.
Serve as a liaison between the facility and local community churches, synagogues, and other religious, civic, and service organizations.
Answer religious questions, provision of spiritual advice, and assistance to incarcerated individual in the purchase of religious items.
Provide staff training regarding the agency’s religious programs.
Periodic assessment of the religious needs of the incarcerated individuals.
Assurance of equal status and protection of all religions represented by the incarcerated individuals.

Benefits

Additional $3.00/hour facility differential for hours worked
13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave (24 days your first year, accruing immediately)
Military leave
156% state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement
Meaningful public service -- service with a purpose!
Numerous training and development opportunities