Chaplain

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below.  This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Summary                                                                                                                     

Under supervision of the Inmate Program Director, the Chaplain administers, supervises, and performs work involved in a program of spiritual welfare and religious guidance for inmates in a correctional setting. . The position involves addressing a variety of spiritual and social problems. This position provides services to staff and inmates.  This position must have a strong work ethic. The Chaplain must follow directions, meet deadlines, have good attendance, be punctual, be reliable, have honesty, and integrity, be free from moral turpitude, and have a proper attitude.  

• Procures religious resources and literature for all faiths and ensures they are available to inmates. 
• Schedules religious visits and activities for all faiths.
• Plans, and coordinates religious programs and volunteer services, including submitting applications for approval, and training of both lay and clergy volunteers.
• Maintains close relationships with community religious resources and submits for approvals any donations of equipment or materials for use in religious programs supervise, trains, and orients volunteers and clergy to work with inmates and staff.
• Provides spiritual and personal guidance for inmates and staff members of all faiths.
• Coordinates specialized religious and social services for inmates and provides reasonable opportunities for inmates to express and practice their faith.
• Assures equal status and protection for all religions.
• Immediately informs corrections staff verbally of all events that may jeopardize institutional safety and security followed by a written report to be submitted to corrections staff by the end of the shift.
• Assists counseling staff in responding directly to inmate requests for assistance using in-house or referral sources.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson to inmate population regarding emergency communications.
• Renders credible testimony in any court proceeding including Justice Courts, County Courts, District Courts, and any U.S. Federal Court.
• Assists with other inmate programs.
• Assists in training of the Counselor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Requires High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s degree in theology preferred or a directly related field.
• Three (3) years of clinical pastoral education training and experience, including lead or supervisory experience.
• Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
• Class C TX driver’s license
• TCOLE Jailer’s License (or successfully complete the academic portion within one year)
• Prior law enforcement or jail experience preferred.