Join the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Chaplain and bring spiritual care and encouragement to individuals at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. In this role, you will offer support rooted in dignity, compassion, and genuine understanding to people of all faiths. You will lead meaningful services, provide emotional and spiritual guidance, and build trusting connections with those seeking comfort and direction.
For someone driven by a deep sense of service and the desire to make a meaningful difference, this position provides a unique opportunity to support others through some of their most challenging moments. Your presence can bring hope, stability, and a sense of humanity to those who need it most.
This position supports the Religious Services Department by providing interfaith spiritual care, leading religious activities, and assisting individuals across a range of faith backgrounds. As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:
- Spiritual Support: Provide interfaith services, conduct religious ceremonies, and offer counseling to inmates
- Faith Coordination: Arrange accommodations for diverse faith needs and support spiritual groups within the facility
- Inmate Outreach: Visit inmates in various housing units and provide support during illness or end-of-life situations
- Program Representation: Serve on committees, advise staff on religious matters, and participate in various interfaith events to promote community understanding
- Volunteer Guidance: Assist with recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, visitors, interns, and inmates involved in religious services
- Record Management: Document program activities, maintain records, and prepare reports as required
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours 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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
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:
- All candidates 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 they are officially sanctioned or authorized to conduct worship/sacred services, and specifying which sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals they are authorized to perform as a religious leader.
- All employees in the Department of Corrections must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
- All employees in the Department of Corrections must maintain their 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 Requirements:
- 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.
Veterans:
- 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.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.