Correctional Chaplain

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Indiana State Prison:

Indiana State Prison is a level‑four maximum‑security facility located in Michigan City, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 2,400 incarcerated adult males. As the oldest correctional facility in the state, it has a long history and operates on a secured 24‑acre campus with ten manned towers. The prison grounds also include a level‑two facility with a capacity of 385 incarcerated adult males. Staff maintain a clean, orderly environment while prioritizing safety and security. Programs available to incarcerated individuals support personal development and re‑entry preparation where applicable. The facility provides a structured setting for individuals with long sentences or those convicted of violent offenses. To learn more about Indiana State Prison, click here.

Role Overview:

As a Correctional Chaplain, you will be responsible for all incarcerated individual's religious and spiritual needs. In addition, you will develop, implement, maintain, and participate in a wide variety of religious programs. As with every job within the Department of Correction, you will also be responsible for the safety and security of the facility.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Oversee the religious and spiritual programs and ensure that programs are developed and implemented in accordance with acceptable standards.
• Prepare and conduct weekly worship services.
• Provide sacramental ministries.
• Coordinate visits with offenders by outside clergy.
• Notify offenders of family deaths or other personal tragedies.
• Recommend and arrange transportation for offenders to attend funerals.
• Act as a liaison between the facility and community religious resources.
• Conduct individual counseling sessions with offenders as needed.
• Maintain a working knowledge of community-based programs, agencies, and governmental agencies that have significant relevance to the religious and spiritual area.
• Participate in the selection of religious/spiritual service volunteers and evaluate volunteer program performances.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.

• Specialized knowledge of Theology and the history of religious groups.

• Thorough knowledge of specific religious practices.

• Ability to provide religious counseling services to both offenders and their families.

• Ability to speak effectively in public.

• Ability to deal with a diverse population regardless of religious affiliation.

• Masters of Divinity degree or completion of a graduate training program in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Studies, or a Comparative Religions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools required.

• Substitution: Bachelors degree in a social/behavioral science that includes a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of coursework in Pastoral Psychology/Pastoral Counseling (transcripts must accompany application).

• Or six years ministry experience.

• Ordination as a minister, priest, rabbi, or commission to function in a ministry of pastoral care by an appropriate religious authority or ecclesiastical endorsement (written acknowledgment) by a faith group/denomination.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.