DOC Illinois River C.C. Chaplain I

State-of-Illinois; Canton (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time

Hybrid options

Health, vision, dental insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The State of Illinois is seeking a Chaplain I for the Department of Corrections in Fulton County, Canton. The role oversees holistic spiritual development and interfaith support within IDOC facilities, providing religious services, counseling, and coordination with care teams.

Requires Master of Divinity, ordination, and pastoral care experience; background checks apply. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits. Work hours are 12pm-8pm Tue-Sat, at Illinois River Correctional Center.

Qualifications

• Requires completion of four years of college and a Master of Divinity degree.
• Ordination, ecclesiastical endorsement, or licensing required.
• One year of pastoral care experience in hospital, healthcare, or institutional setting.
• One or more units of accredited clinical pastoral education.

Responsibilities

• Provides religious services for all faiths and denominations.
• Prepares reports and correspondence related to chaplaincy.
• Conducts individual and group counseling in custody.
• Meets with program leaders to review chaplaincy activities.
• Performs other duties within the scope of chaplaincy.

Skills

Pastoral care experience

Education

Bachelor's degree (4-year college)

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Position Title: Chaplain I

Job Requisition ID: 58028
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 08/26/2026 11:59 p.m.
Agency: Department of Corrections
Class Title:CHAPLAIN I - 06901
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,082 monthly; Full Range $6,082-$8,683 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Fulton
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a dedicated professional chaplain who is ready to engage and inspire the community served within IDOC facilities. As a Chaplain I you will oversee the holistic spiritual development and full-spectrum religious support of all faiths, traditions, and denominations represented within the facility you serve. This position is an excellent fit for any professional chaplain who is ready to directly serve those in need. We are seeking a chaplain with a commitment to integrity, equity, and the spiritual growth of all people regardless of tradition or religious affiliation. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Essential Functions

• Provides religious services for all faiths.
• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to chaplaincy area.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions for individuals in custody.
• Serves as Assistant Employee Assistant Program Coordinator and Backup Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Meets with Assistant Warden of Programs and the Manager of Chaplain Services weekly to review chaplaincy activities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college, supplemented by completion of three (3) years of a prescribed course of study in a recognized and accredited theological seminary with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree.
• Requires ordination, ecclesiastical endorsement, or licensing by a recognized communion and is duly authorized by appropriate authority of this denomination.
• Requires one (1) year of previous pastoral care experience in a hospital, healthcare, institutional, or local ministry setting.
• Requires one (1) or more units of accredited clinical pastoral education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience working with faith and/or religious traditions (not denominations) other than their own.
• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience working with and/or on an interdisciplinary care team for behavioral health and/or psychiatric health and/or social services.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in an institutional chaplaincy setting, not only a congregational setting. (i.e. military, hospital, academic, professional chaplaincy).
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience conducting individual and/or group counseling sessions.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience preparing and conducts formal religious services, sacramental rites, and/or workshop services.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience planning a weekly schedule of chapel activities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: See below

12pm-8pm Tues-Sat, Sun/Mon off

Headquarter Location: Illinois River Correctional Center 1300 W Locust St, Canton, Illinois, 61520
Work County: Fulton
Agency Contact: Holly Martin
Email: [e-mail]
Posting Group: Arts, Design & Cultural

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre‑tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

As a IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

• Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
• Deferred compensation and other pre‑tax benefits programs
• Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources