Chaplain - SCI Somerset

THE POSITION

As a Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, you will have an opportunity to make a positive difference by leading services, offering counseling, and helping inmates navigate important moments in their lives. You will contribute to a respectful and supportive environment that values healing and personal growth. This position provides a powerful way to serve the facility and the community. Apply today to begin your journey!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Chaplain supports the Religious Services Department by delivering interfaith services, providing counseling, and guiding inmates through important religious practices. This role helps maintain a compassionate and inclusive environment for inmates of all faiths and no faith.

As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:

• Interfaith Services: Plan and conduct religious gatherings, administer sacraments, and facilitate accommodations for diverse faiths
• Spiritual Counseling: Provide grief counseling, offer guidance, and make visits to inmates in various housing units
• Specialized Support: Make non-routine visits to critically ill inmates and assist with spiritual discussion groups for severely mentally ill individuals
• Religious Guidance: Screen and distribute approved religious materials and support inmates with faith-related needs
• Program Representation: Participate in committees, review accommodation requests, and engage in interfaith events
• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit and train volunteers, orient visitors, and support inmate volunteers in religious programming
• Record Maintenance: Prepare reports, maintain records, and respond to information requests in a timely manner

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Your shift will 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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• You 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 you are officially sanctioned or authorized to conduct worship/sacred services, and specifying which sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals you are authorized to perform as a religious leader.
• You must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
• You must maintain your credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

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.

• Eligibility rules apply.