Chaplain - SCI Cambridge Springs

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Chaplain for the Department of Corrections at SCI Cambridge Springs to support spiritual well-being for inmates across faith traditions, offering services and guidance in a structured program.

Responsibilities include planning and leading religious services, providing spiritual counseling, coordinating volunteers, and maintaining records; the role includes interfaith collaboration and credentialing requirements.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead religious services for inmates of various faiths.
• Provide spiritual counseling, grief support, and visits across units and hospitals.
• Arrange discussion groups, review materials, and assist inmates with program needs.
• Participate in interfaith committees, evaluate accommodation requests, and attend events.
• Coordinate volunteers, visitors, and interns involved in religious services.
• Document program activities, prepare reports, and respond to information requests.

Skills

Pastoral care

Interfaith guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

As a Chaplain with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you will play a vital role in supporting spiritual well-being at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs. Your leadership will help create a respectful and caring environment for individuals from many different faith traditions as they navigate important personal challenges during incarceration. This role is ideal for someone who values meaningful service, empathetic connection, and the opportunity to make a positive difference each day. Your guidance can help inmates heal, reflect, and move forward with renewed purpose. We encourage you to apply today!

This position supports individuals from many faith backgrounds by offering spiritual care, guidance, and structured religious activities. As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:

• Religious Services: Plan and lead faith specific gatherings, administer rites, and arrange accommodations for inmates of various faiths
• Spiritual Counseling: Provide spiritual, grief, and special counseling, and visit individuals in general population, specialized units, and community hospitals
• Program Support: Arrange discussion groups, review religious materials, and assist inmates with special program needs
• Interfaith Guidance: Participate in committees, evaluate accommodation requests, and attend interfaith events to support facility programs
• Volunteer Coordination: Assist with recruiting, training, and orienting volunteers, visitors, and interns involved in religious services
• Recordkeeping Duties: Document program activities, prepare reports, and provide timely responses to information requests

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours will be determined. You will work Sunday - Thursday with three required evening shifts 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
• 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

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 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).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.