CHAPLAIN
Unclassified N.J.S.A. 11A:3-5(U)
DEFINITION:
Under direction, coordinates and provides religious and spiritual services to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals of all faiths and denominations within a correctional facility or other local entity; counsels and offers support on moral, religious, domestic, and personal issues and challenges; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The services of the incumbent in this position will be predominantly available for the residents or incarcerated individuals within an institution; however, they may be extended to the employees in extreme circumstances as deemed appropriate.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Plans and delivers religious or spiritual services and activities for residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals on a regular or as-needed basis.
Collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to plan, implement, and monitor programs and services that address residents’ religious and spiritual needs.
Coordinates and leads activities to address the spiritual needs of the institution’s residents.
Conducts pastoral visits as part of resident orientation, or in response to requests from family members, facility staff, the supervisor of pastoral services, or the chaplain.
Engages with residents to address their moral, religious, and spiritual needs.
Provides support and comfort during times of grief or bereavement, drawing from spiritual, or religious perspectives.
Participates in institutional chaplaincy programs.
Provides advice and counseling to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals on religious, spiritual, and moral topics upon request, while adhering to the institution’s practices and policies.
Trains community volunteers and encourages active participation in religious activities and services, facilitating group collaboration.
Promotes awareness of facility religious programs by collaborating with community and religious groups, and other relevant organizations.
Creates and supplies inspirational literature, spiritual discussion topics, and faith-based program resources.
Procures a comprehensive collection of religious books and other materials that support the educational, spiritual, and research needs of residents or incarcerated individuals.
Provides end-of-life care by addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs including forgiveness, reconciliation, remorse, and counseling of other grief-related emotions.
Prepares regular reports on office activities and functions, along with other required reports.
Establishes and maintains files and records.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college, university, or seminary with a bachelor's degree in religion, religious studies, bible studies, theology, or a related field.
NOTE: Graduation from a course of theological study as required by the ordaining or endorsing body.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or deacon in the offices of a religious faith, which shall have included religious, personal, and social counseling.
NOTE: A Master of Divinity Studies or similar programs may be substituted for one (1) year of relevant experience.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess certification or accreditation as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or deacon in an established religious faith and an endorsement for chaplaincy where required by the ordaining or endorsing body.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the spiritual resource materials, principals, ceremonies, values, and practices associated with a specific faith.
Knowledge of the social, economic, and psychological challenges that arise from incarceration or institutionalization.
Knowledge of the programs, functions, and challenges commonly encountered in a correctional or residential institution.
Knowledge of spiritual and pastoral counseling methods and techniques.
Knowledge of modern psychology, penology, and sociology principles and their application in programs of applied religion for incarcerated or institutionalized individuals.
Ability to provide religious instruction and conduct services for residents and employees.
Ability to procure and maintain a comprehensive collection of religious books and other materials that support the educational, spiritual, and research needs of residents or incarcerated individuals.
Ability to provide moral, religious, and other general counseling to residents from diverse cognitive, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to address religious topics with a broad and diverse audience.
Ability to assist with the educational and recreational programs within an institution.
Ability to collaborate with representatives from various faith groups on an ecumenical basis.
Ability to prepare correspondence and produce monthly reports, summarizing work activities for supervisors.
Ability to collaborate with staff across diverse program areas to achieve institutional objectives.
Ability to maintain files and records.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
