The Chaplain position with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset offers a meaningful opportunity to share hope, guidance, and spiritual care with individuals who are searching for direction. This role allows you to support inmates from a variety of faith backgrounds while helping nurture an environment grounded in respect, dignity, and understanding. You will offer comfort, encouragement, and steady presence as individuals move through the challenges of incarceration. This is a deeply fulfilling role for someone who feels called to serve with compassion, integrity, and a sincere commitment to helping others grow!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports a comprehensive interfaith religious services program by offering guidance, conducting services, and assisting individuals from all faith backgrounds. It requires strong communication skills, steady leadership, and sensitivity to diverse needs. As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:
- Religious Services: Plan and lead faith specific gatherings, administer sacraments and rites, and arrange accommodations for inmates of other faiths
- Spiritual Counseling: Provide spiritual, grief, and special counseling and visit inmates in general population, specialized units, and community hospitals
- Program Support: Facilitate religious discussion groups, screen religious materials, and oversee activities for inmates with special needs
- Interfaith Guidance: Participate in committees, evaluate accommodation requests, and attend community interfaith events to promote facility religious programs
- Volunteer Coordination: Assist with recruiting, training, and orienting volunteers, visitors, and interns involved with the Religious Services Department
- Recordkeeping Duties: Document program activities, prepare required reports, and respond to requests for information in a timely manner
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 include shifts to be determined at the time of hire.
- This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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:
- All candidates 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.
- All employees in the Department of Corrections must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
- All employees in the Department of Corrections must maintain their credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
Work Location: In person
