Chaplain - SCI Cambridge Springs

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Chaplain for SCI Cambridge Springs to provide spiritual leadership for inmates from diverse faith backgrounds. You will lead worship services, offer counseling, and coordinate programs while upholding security requirements.

As part of the role, you will engage in interfaith collaboration, supervise volunteers, and maintain accurate records. A bachelor’s degree and pastoral experience are required, with training prerequisites to be completed post-hire.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional pastoral experience or equivalent combination with one year pastoral experience.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in theology, ministry, or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and clearances.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead faith-specific religious services for inmates.
• Provide spiritual and grief counseling and visit inmates in various units.
• Coordinate programs, screen materials, and support detainees with special needs.
• Participate in interfaith committees and events.
• Recruit, train, and orient volunteers and interns.
• Document activities and prepare timely reports.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Interfaith communication

Counseling skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

THE POSITION

Begin a meaningful career with the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs. This role allows you to support individuals from many faith backgrounds while offering guidance, comfort, and encouragement. You will help create a respectful and hopeful environment where people can grow emotionally and spiritually. Step into a position where your compassion and leadership make a daily impact.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Chaplains at the State Correctional Institution at Cambridge Springs support a comprehensive religious services program that meets the diverse needs of the inmate population. This role blends spiritual leadership, interfaith communication, and program coordination to strengthen the facility’s religious services. As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:

• Religious Services: Plan and lead faith specific gatherings, administer rites, and coordinate accommodations for various beliefs
• Spiritual Counseling: Provide spiritual and grief counseling and visit individuals in general population, special units, and hospitals
• Program Support: Facilitate discussion groups, screen religious materials, and support activities and accommodations for individuals with special needs
• Interfaith Leadership: Serve on committees and participate in community interfaith events
• Volunteer Coordination: Assist with recruiting, training, and orienting volunteers, visitors, and interns
• Recordkeeping Duties: Document activities, prepare reports, and provide requested information in a timely manner

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday - Wednesday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional pastoral experience and a bachelor’s degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional pastoral experience.

Special Requirements:

• You are required, at the time of application, to provide documentation from an officially sanctioned faith group dated within one year of the application date stating they are officially sanctioned or authorized to conduct worship/sacred services, and specifying which sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals they are authorized to perform as a religious leader.
• You must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
• You must maintain your credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.