Description

Duties

Under the direction of the Correctional Program Manager, the Religious Coordinator works collaboratively with other prison departments and community volunteers to enhance opportunities for programs and services related to this field.
Duties include but are not limited to:

• Maintain knowledge of all federal/state laws and department policies governing the access to and delivery of religious/faith-based programs.
• Perform, provide and/or direct the performance/delivery of religious services that meet the diverse religious needs of incarcerated individuals.
• May prepare and conduct religious services; administer sacraments and other rites; conduct special services on religious holidays and on special occasions as appropriate.
• Schedule and supervise regular religious services, religious holidays, and special events.
• Ensure individual and group compliance with DOC Religious Property matrix and policy; process religious property working collaboratively with custody staff.
• Recruit, train, and supervise religious volunteers that are qualified to provide religious services corresponding to the religious preferences of incarcerated individuals.
• Provide quarterly reports documenting religious volunteer involvement and incarcerated individual attendance at religious services/programs.
• Perform incarcerated individual counseling that assists with spiritual direction, grief, marriage, relationships, preparation for marriage, goal setting, and other counseling as needed.
• Coordinate incarcerated individual marriages. Maintain non-denominational standing.
• Complete Religious Event Packets as required by supervisor expectations.
• Supervise, evaluate, and direct the work of incarcerated individuals employed to work in the religious programs area.
• Respond to and coordinate with the grievance specialist on matters of religious disputes about diet, grocery, and programs/services that are religious in nature.

Qualifications

Three years of experience as a recognized faith leader, priest, or religious leader such as Rabbi, Iman, Bishop, or Shaman of a nationally recognized faith.
AND
Ability to:

• work independently, using good judgment.
• work with individuals with diverse beliefs and backgrounds, reserving personal opinions and beliefs.
• minister to and understand the religious needs of incarcerated individuals of all religious/spiritual beliefs.

• A graduate degree in Theology, Sacred Studies, Ministry, Religious Studies, Comparative Religions, Philosophy of Religion or equivalent from an accredited graduate school or university.
• Three years of post-graduate experience as a recognized faith leader, Priest, Minister, Religious Leader, Rabbi, Imam, Bishop, Shaman, or equivalent.
• Be in good standing with and currently recognized and endorsed for correctional faith, religious or spiritual work with a recognized religious body.

Supplemental Information

• Resume
• Cover Letter

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 11 paid holidays a year (12 in 2022 for Juneteenth)
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!