Chaplain

State-of-West-Virgini; West Virginia; On-site; USD 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

State of West Virginia seeks a compassionate Chaplain to lead religious services and provide spiritual guidance within a correctional or care-focused environment. You will direct a team of volunteers, collaborate with outside resources, and ensure programs meet legal and ethical standards, including RLUPIA compliance.

The role emphasizes crisis counseling, sacred rites, and serving staff and populations with dignity and peace as a trusted bridge to the community.

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in religious education, divinity, pastoral counseling or related field.
• Graduation from a Bible College accredited by ABHE or a theological seminary accredited by ATS.
• Certification of ordination or ecclesiastical commission by an endorsing body.
• High school diploma plus five years of pastoral counseling/ministry may substitute for training.

Responsibilities

• Direct a diverse array of religious services and programs.
• Collaborate with external resources and manage volunteers.
• Provide crisis counseling and spiritual guidance within a compliant framework.

Skills

Crisis counseling

Pastoral counseling

Religious ministry

Education

Religious education degree

Divinity degree

Pastoral counseling degree

Bible College degree

Theological seminary degree

Job description

Are you ready to be a source of hope and spiritual guidance? We are looking for a compassionate leader to join our team as a Chaplain, where you will play a vital role in fostering an environment of religious freedom and personal growth. In this deeply impactful position, you’ll direct a diverse array of religious services, ensuring every member of the population has the opportunity to pursue their faith with dignity and peace. You’ll be the bridge to the community—collaborating with outside resources, managing a dedicated team of volunteers, and serving as a critical support for both staff and those in our care. Beyond the chapel, your expertise in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) will ensure our programs meet the highest legal and ethical standards. Whether you're providing life‑changing crisis counseling or facilitating sacred rites, your presence will be the cornerstone of stability and healing. If you have the heart of a minister and the professional grit to navigate a complex environment,

• In accordance with SPB 3088 effective 10/7/23, $5000 will be added to the minimum starting rate of pay for all classifications within a Critical Vacancy Pay Supplemental Facility. Critical Vacancy Pay Facilities: Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western Regional Jail and Corrections Facility, Northern Correctional Facility (including Ohio County Correctional Center), Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center, Vicki Douglas Juvenile Center, Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, and Eastern Regional Jail and Corrections Facility (including Martinsburg Correctional Center) (SPB 3088)

• Employees in this classification shall receive an annual base building pay differential each fiscal year of $250 after completing one year of service.

• If an employee is hired into a Critical Vacancy Pay Facility (CVPF) and leaves the facility, the additional pay differential of $5000 shall be removed from their salary, unless transferring to another CVFP.

Training:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in religious education, divinity, pastoral counseling or a closely related field; or, graduation from a Bible College accredited by The Association for Biblical Higher Education; or graduation from a theological seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Substitution:

Graduation from a standard high school plus five years’ experience in pastoral counseling and/or religious ministry may substitute for the above training requirement.

Special Requirement:

Certification of ordination or ecclesiastical commission by an endorsing body or denomination.

Special Approved Agency Substitution:

Graduation from a standard high school, or the equivalent, plus 4 years experience in pastoral counseling and/or religious ministry may substitute for the above training requirement.

PG: 9 $31,533 - $53,916

Market Rate: $48,122

Special Hiring Rate:$36,533