Correctional Chaplain & Spiritual Counselor

Shelby County TN; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelby County is seeking a Chaplain to provide spiritual guidance and religious services to inmates within the jail environment. The role includes counseling, worship scheduling, clergy visits, and collaboration with volunteers to ensure sound religious practices.

The candidate must meet the ministry experience and education requirements and be capable of handling sensitive communications, emergency notifications, and family interactions. Background checks are required.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of ministerial experience with certification by a recognized ecclesiastical body; proof of denominational endorsement at the time of employment.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a theological degree from an approved school of divinity.
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION; TRAINING; AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Responsibilities

• Provides for the spiritual health and wellness of inmates.
• Conducts religious/worship services on a regular basis, particularly on religious holidays.
• Upholds the constitutional rights of inmates regarding religious services and activities.
• Serves as liaison between the religious community and the division; monitors religious services conducted by volunteers for adherence to rules and sound practices.
• Assists in the training for religious volunteers.
• Provides comprehensive chaplaincy services to inmates; counseling, scheduling worship services, religious studies and clergy visits, distributing literature and other pastoral functions.
• Facilitates family and inmate communication on critical life issues.
• Provides emergency and death notifications among inmates and their families.
• Encourages and counsels inmates and jail division staff.
• Submits weekly/monthly reports of activities conducted.
• Represents the division at assigned functions in-house and in the community.
• Maintains computerized records of all inmate contacts.

Skills

Spiritual counseling

Building trust

Help others

Religious activities

Education

Bachelor's degree + theological degree

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Shelby County is seeking a Chaplain to provide spiritual guidance and religious services to inmates within the jail environment. The role includes counseling, worship scheduling, clergy visits, and collaboration with volunteers to ensure sound religious practices.

The candidate must meet the ministry experience and education requirements and be capable of handling sensitive communications, emergency notifications, and family interactions. Background checks are required.