Chaplain (Part Time Sheriff's Office)

Stanislaus County; California; On-site; USD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office in California seeks a Chaplain for the Adult Detention Division to plan, coordinate, implement, and assist with the chaplaincy program, including supervision of volunteers. The Chaplain interacts with inmates, staff and faith communities to provide spiritual support and information.

This role requires maturity, emotional stability, and the ability to work in a sometimes hostile environment, with hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• One year of volunteer or working experience in a ministerial position.
• Current valid Ministerial Credential.
• Thirty (30) units of college coursework in religious studies or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, and respond to inmate requests for religious materials or spiritual assistance.
• Order and distribute bibles and other religious/spiritual books and paraphernalia.
• Provide general oversight, coordination, and training of all chaplain volunteers.
• Act as liaison with outside religious and community organizations.
• Coordinate chaplain volunteer activities with jail staff.
• Develop and enhance the Chaplaincy Program.

Skills

Policy literacy

Oral & written communication

Volunteer supervision

Interfaith liaison

Organizational skills

Maturity & integrity

Time management

Education

Ministerial Credential

Religious studies coursework

Job description

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. Oral Examination: The week of September 28, 2026.

To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, https://www.scsdonline.com/

THE POSITION

The incumbent will be assigned to the Adult Detention Division. The Adult Detention Division of the Sheriff's Department is comprised of the County Men's Jail, Public Safety Center, and two Minimum Housing Units. Under the general direction of the Programs Director, the Chaplain plans, coordinates, implements, and assists with the administration of the chaplaincy program, including oversight of chaplain volunteers. The Chaplain also deals directly with the general public, often in emotional situations, by providing information, explaining policies and procedures, and assisting volunteers. The Chaplain must be mature, emotionally stable and be able to work effectively in an environment that can be hostile, unpredictable, and occasionally unpleasant. The Adult Detention Facilities are open seven-days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The incumbent is expected to work the hours needed to fulfill the needs of the position, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Sheriff's Recruitment Team at [phone].

• Receive, process, and respond to inmate requests for religious materials or spiritual assistance;
• Order and distribute bibles and other religious/spiritual books and paraphernalia;
• Provide general oversight, coordination, and training of all chaplain volunteers;
• Act as liaison with outside religious and community organizations, such as, but not limited to, chaplain volunteers, and Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Hindi, Sikh, Christian, Mormon, and Evangelical Ministerial communities;
• Communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with the Operations Sergeants and Sheriff personnel regarding chaplain volunteer activities and involvement in each detention facility;
• Interview and screen each religiously affiliated jail pass applicant;
• Visit individual inmates as requested or as deemed necessary;
• Develop and maintain relationships with religious community;
• Maintain knowledge of, and acts as a liaison between County and community resources;
• Procure published literature, and specific spiritually oriented material from independent sources to build an inventory to facilitate the availability for inmates and probationers; and
• Develop and enhance the Chaplaincy Program.

KNOWLEDGE

• General detention operations;
• General computer systems and operations;
• General budget and account knowledge; and
• Understanding of County and Community resources.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Read and understand policies, rules, instructions, laws and ordinances pertaining to Adult Detention activities;
• Work effectively in an environment that can be hostile, unpredictable, and occasionally unpleasant;
• Tolerate confined working spaces;
• Coordinate and supervise the daily activities of chaplain volunteers;
• Impartially coordinate religious and spiritual services;
• Possess strong organizational, administration, and time management abilities;
• Exercise initiative and independent judgment;
• Possess a high degree of maturity and integrity;
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of faith backgrounds;
• Effective oral and written communication skills; and
• Relate positively to inmates, employees at all levels, community groups, and volunteers.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year of volunteer or working experience in a ministerial position; AND
• A current valid Ministerial Credential; OR
• Thirty (30) units of college coursework in religious studies or a related field.

Proof of education or credentials are required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-7044 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications.

• Twelve (12) months experience in a religious/spiritual ministry setting; OR
• Ability to speak Spanish; OR
• One (1) year of experience working in an administrative leadership capacity for a religious/spiritual congregation (i.e. Pastor, Youth Leader, etc.)

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.