Chaplain

Opening Date 2/29/2024                                                                                   

Salary:  $50,000/year

Department: Probate Court/JJC                                                                     

Status: Full time                                                                                                   

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location:  Juvenile Justice Center

Job Category: SO (Special Occupation)

Description:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. St. Joseph Probate Court provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

  Incumbent serves as Chaplain for the St. Joseph Probate Court/Juvenile Justice Center, responsible for   ensuring that the spiritual needs of all current residents are met.

Essential Functions:

HOURS & EMPLOYMENT

This is a full time position that will include weekends and evening hours.  The Chaplain is not permitted to hold outside employment.

DIRECT REPORT:    

The Chaplain reports to the Coordinator of Mental Health.

DUTIES:                               

Provides spiritual care for residents at the St. Joseph Probate Court/Thomas N. Frederick Juvenile Justice Center. Coordinates spiritual care for the needs of all residents. Possesses the ability to perform any tasks necessary and requested for the overall operation of the agency, including, but not limited to:

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordination of spiritual care for youth within the facility.
• Planning and implementing or coordination of Spiritual/Religious Worship.
• Provide individual spiritual counseling/mentoring under supervision of the Coordinator of Mental Health and the Pastoral Care Advisory Board.
• Networks with area clergy.
• Develops and coordinates a Spiritual After-Care Program for interested youth with the support of the Pastoral Care Advisory Board.
• Document all spiritual care services provided.
• In conjunction with the Coordinator of Mental Health coordinate and mentor volunteer spiritual care programs in including visiting clergy and seminary students/deacons.
• Chaplain collaborates with and is supported by the Pastoral Care Advisory Board for the Juvenile Justice Center. (Includes attending a minimum of quarterly meetings, consultation sessions, and receiving support from the Pastoral Care Advisory Board).
• Chaplain will meet monthly with a designated member of the Pastoral Care Advisory Board for supervision and professional accountability.
• Chaplain will provide a monthly summary of Pastoral Care activity to the Pastoral Care Advisory Board and the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Center.
• Any and all duties as assigned.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Works closely with members of the secure detention staff, mental health and nursing staff. Interacts with parents and juveniles both in detention and those who are not detained. Appears in Court when requested. This person should be a role model both in detention and in the community. Must maintain a professional relationship with all staff, juveniles, parents and the community.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a locked facility and the office is within the locked facility. Juveniles housed in the facility may be charged with or adjudicated for a variety of delinquent offenses including but not limited to violent and aggressive behaviors. The safety of the community as well as our staff and other Detainees depends in the ability of staff to react quickly, fairly, consistently, and with control. Inaccurate assessments could significantly impact the health and well-being of the community, juveniles detained, and facility staff.

Work is performed on carpeted floors. There will be a considerable amount of walking to various parts of the facility.

Duties may require some amount of physical fitness with regard to personal protection and assisting staff in the restraint of a detainee. Mobility to be able to restrain and subdue an aggressive juvenile will be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Graduation from a theological school with a Master of Divinity or Master of Theology or Master of Pastoral Counseling. Theological school must be accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years full-time professional pastoral experience.

Current endorsement by the respective religious authority for specialized ministry as chaplain in a juvenile correctional facility.

Ordination as a minister, priest, or rabbi: or commission to function in a ministry of pastoral care by an appropriate religious authority. (Proof of ordination or commission must accompany application.)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of minimum of one Clinical Pastoral Education unit accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) or accredited by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation (USCCB/CCA) (Recommend 4 units.). If completed, copy of certificate should accompany application.

Previous ministry experience with youth in ministry or other youth oriented agencies.

Three (3) letters of reference required.  One of these letters needs to be from your current Pastor or Religious Leader.

SKILLS:                           

The ability to relate to professional staff, detained youth, and their families without bias or partiality. Competency to provide security for the community, staff and Detainees through applied mental and physical skills. Capacity to be able to problem solve, anticipate, prevent, intervene, and solve crisis situations appropriately.  Ability to see what needs to be done, with skills to make sure the job is completed correctly. Must be mature and able to accept responsibility with minimal supervision.  Good written and verbal presentation skills are a must. 

The duties described above are indicative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities and normal task assignments of this job, and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all tasks which may be required.  Additional duties requiring similar or lesser skills may be added at any time without the necessity of altering the description or re-evaluating the job.