DOC Big Muddy River CC Chaplain I

Position Title: Chaplain I

Job Requisition ID: 59037 
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026, 11:59 pm
Agency: Department of Corrections
Class Title:  CHAPLAIN I - 06901 
Skill Option:  None  
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,082/month; Full Range: $6,082-$8,683/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 
Work Hours: See Below:

8:00 am to 4:00 pm Sun-Thurs w/Fri & Sat off

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: Big Muddy River CC - 251 N Illinois Hwy 37, Ina, Illinois, 62846
Work County: Jefferson
Agency Contact: Mason.Walker @ illinois.gov

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a dedicated professional chaplain who is ready to engage and inspire the community served within IDOC facilities. As a Chaplain I you will oversee the holistic spiritual development and full-spectrum religious support of all faiths, traditions, and denominations represented within the facility you serve. This position is an excellent fit for any professional chaplain who is ready to directly serve 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.

Essential Functions

• Provides religious services for all faiths.
• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to chaplaincy area.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions for individuals in custody.
• Serves as Assistant Employee Assistant Program Coordinator and Backup Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Fills outside speaking engagements.
• Prepares and conducts formal religious services, sacramental rites, and weekly worship services.
• Meets with Assistant Warden of Programs and the Manager of Chaplain Services weekly to review chaplaincy activities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 (MDiv) degree.
• Requires ordination, ecclesiastical endorsement, or licensing by a recognized communion and is duly authorized by appropriate authority of this denomination.
• Requires one (1) year of previous pastoral care experience in a hospital, healthcare, institutional, or local ministry setting.
• Requires one (1) or more units of accredited clinical pastoral education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience working with faith and/or religious traditions (not denominations) other than their own.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience working with and/or on an interdisciplinary care team for behavioral health and/or psychiatric health and/or social services.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in an institutional chaplaincy setting, not only a congregational setting (i.e. military, hospital, academic, professional chaplaincy).
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience conducting individual and/or group counseling sessions.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience preparing and conducting formal religious services, sacramental rites, and/or workshop services.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience planning a weekly schedule of chapel activities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work

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; 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.

As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

• Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance

• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave

• Pension Plan - Vesting at 10 years for Tier II

• Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement

• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs

• Paid state holidays: 13 - 14 days annually

• 3 paid Personal Business days annually

• 12 paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over year to year)

• 10 - 25 Paid Vacation days annually (10 days beginning at year 1 employment)

• Personal, Sick and Vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules (As applicable)

• Employee Assistance Program and/or Mental Health resources

• For more information about our benefits, please follow this link: Benefits Information