Correctional Chaplain at State of Indiana Plainfield, IN

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Plainfield (IN); On-site; USD 42,588 - 52,052; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness Rewards Program

Pension plan options

Paid vacation and sick leave

Education reimbursement program

Job summary

The Downtown Boulder Partnership is seeking a Correctional Chaplain at the Reception Diagnostic Center in Plainfield, Indiana. This role involves addressing the religious and spiritual needs of incarcerated individuals, developing programs, and ensuring their well-being within the facility.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s of Divinity degree and at least six years of experience as an Institutional Chaplain. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $47,320 annually along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master’s of Divinity or equivalent in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or Religious Studies.
• Ordination by a recognized religious authority required.
• Six years of experience as an Institutional Chaplain.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement religious programs for incarcerated individuals.
• Conduct weekly worship services and individual counseling sessions.
• Coordinate with outside clergy for visits.

Skills

Religious counseling

Public speaking

Knowledge of theology

Crisis intervention

Education

Master’s of Divinity degree

Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral science

Job description

About Reception Diagnostic Center:

As part of the Indiana Department of Correction, the Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) promotes public safety by providing meaningful opportunities for successful re‑entry. We strive to model best correctional practices, return productive citizens to our communities, and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity, and professionalism. The RDC is a maximum‑security intake facility for adult males. All adult male incarcerated individuals are received, classified, and transferred to long‑term facilities. During intake they are assessed for physical and emotional health, addiction recovery services, educational and work opportunities, and other needs.

Role Overview:

As a Correctional Chaplain at the RDC, you will be responsible for all incarcerated individual’s religious and spiritual needs, develop, implement, maintain, and participate in a wide variety of religious programs, and ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Oversee the religious and spiritual programs and ensure that programs are developed and implemented in accordance with acceptable standards.
• Prepare and conduct weekly worship services.
• Provide sacramental ministries.
• Coordinate visits with offenders by outside clergy.
• Notify offenders of family deaths or other personal tragedies.
• Recommend and arrange transportation for offenders to attend funerals.
• Act as a liaison between the facility and community religious resources.
• Conduct individual counseling sessions with offenders as needed.
• Maintain a working knowledge of community-based programs, agencies, and governmental agencies that have significant relevance to the religious and spiritual area.
• Participate in the selection of religious/spiritual service volunteers and evaluate volunteer program performances.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You’ll Need for Success:

• Master’s of Divinity degree or completion of a graduate training program in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Studies, or a Comparative Religions program accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
• Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in a social or behavioral science that includes a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of coursework in Pastoral Psychology/Pastoral Counseling (transcripts must accompany application).
• Ordination as a minister, priest, rabbi, or commission to function in a ministry of pastoral care by an appropriate religious authority or ecclesiastical endorsement (written acknowledgment) by a faith group/denomination.
• Six (6) years of experience as an Institutional Chaplain.
• Must test negative on all drug screenings.
• Specialized knowledge of theology and the history of religious groups.
• Thorough knowledge of specific religious practices.
• Ability to provide religious counseling services to both offenders and their families.
• Ability to speak effectively in public.
• Ability to deal with a diverse population regardless of religious affiliation.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi‑weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully‑funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail].