CHAPLAIN II

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a dedicated professional chaplain to engage, lead, and inspire the community served within IDOC facilities. This position will serve as a head chaplain and you will oversee the holistic spiritual development and full-spectrum religious support of all faiths, traditions, and denominations represented within the facility you serve.  In this role you will also direct and coordinate the work of all Chaplains and other assigned volunteer program personnel. This position is an excellent fit for any professional chaplain who is ready to directly serve, lead, and inspire those in need. We are seeking a chaplain with a commitment to integrity, equity, and the spiritual growth of all people regardless of tradition or religious affiliation.  We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Responsibilities

1. As facility-head Chaplain, directs and coordinates the work of all Chaplains and other assigned volunteer program personnel.
2. Determines general goals, philosophies, policies and procedures for the institutional chaplaincy program and integrates these objectives with those of other services and programs.
3. Conducts Individual and group counseling sessions for individuals in custody.
4. Fills outside speaking engagements.
5. Meets with Assistant Warden of Programs and the Manager of Chaplain Services to review the activities of the chaplain area.
6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college, supplemented by completion of three (3) years of a prescribed course of study in a recognized and accredited theological seminary with a Master of Divinity degree.
2. Requires ordination or licensing by a recognized communion and is duly authorized by appropriate authority of this denomination.
3. Requires two (2) years of chaplaincy pastorate or related experience as determined by the Director of Central Management Services following advice from the director of the employing agency.
4. Requires one (1) year of clinical, institutional, congregational, or related experience.
5. Requires one (1) or more units of accredited clinical pastoral education.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with faith and/or religious traditions (not denominations) other than their own. 
2. Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with and/or on an interdisciplinary care team for behavioral health and/or psychiatric health and/or social services.
3. Prefers at least three (3) years of experience in an institutional chaplaincy setting, not only a congregational setting. (i.e. military, hospital, academic, professional chaplaincy)
4. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience directing fellow clergy and/or ordained individuals.
5. Prefers a least two (2) years of experience directing and/or coordinating staff.
6. Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience conducting individual and/or group counseling sessions.
7. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience preparing and conducts formal religious services, sacramental rites, and/or workshop services.
8. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience recruiting and training volunteers.
9. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience planning a weekly schedule of chapel activities.

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position:

1. Requires ability to pass the Illinois Department of Corrections background check. 
2. Requires ability to pass a drug screen. On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the law has changed, the Department will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy.  The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.
3. Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included.  Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism,  discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.  The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.  Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; tuition reimbursement; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.  The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.