Chaplain - SCI Somerset

Chaplain Position at State Correctional Institution at Somerset

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact by supporting spiritual needs within the Department of Corrections (DOC)? 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!

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

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
• 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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (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:

• 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.

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 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.