Interfaith Coordinator

Job Description

General Statement of Duties:

This position in the Essex County Sheriff's Department has broad responsibilities for the development and implementation of policies and programs to provide the prison population with religious and ministerial services. Staff Chaplains are expected to provide pastoral care, manage religious programs, and administer resources. Chaplains are expected to provide a pastoral presence throughout the institution through regular visits to the housing units and three facilities. Chaplains will set up a schedule of religious activities providing equitable and reasonable opportunities for worship, study and religious programs. Chaplains will also communicate the mission and goal of the Department by being a ready source for expert information to staff and communicating clearly and in a timely manner the variety of activities of the Department. Collaboration with all Essex sites will ensure the population continues to be provided with quality services.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of Asst. Superintendent from each facility (Middleton, ECPRC, WIT) Each Asst. Superintendent will provide instruction, guidance, assign work, review performance through oral and written reports for adherences to policy and conformance with rules and regulations of the Department, collaborate and manage all religious requests including diets, and in the absence of the Interfaith Coordinator the Asst. Superintendents will be responsible for all requests and documentation for their respective site.

Supervision Exercised:

Oversees contract workers and volunteers who provide religious activities for the inmate population.

Essential Functions: The Interfaith Coordinator shall have physical access to all areas of the institution and be responsible for:

• Planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing inmate religious programs and services

• Establishing schedules, calendars, postings or other methods of informing inmates and staff of existing and planned religious programs and services. Programs shall be planned in conjunction with the Asst. Superintendents from each site.
• Providing oversight to all religious programs including, but not limited to: 1. Recruiting, screening and orienting prospective volunteers for religious programs and services; 2. Utilizing volunteer chaplains; 3. Approval and training of both lay and clergy volunteers from faiths represented by the inmate population
  § Providing pastoral counseling and guidance to the inmate population.
  
  § Attend professional training, seminars, and meetings approved by the Middleton Asst. Superintendent.
  
  § Along with all other employees, Chaplains are charged with responsibility for ensuring security of the institution. The Chaplains correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
  
  § Provides a full pastoral ministry to inmates of all faith groups which includes opportunities for their public and private worship on Sundays and other such holy days as are appropriate within each faith group. Visitations are conducted throughout the institution and individual/group counseling is provided to those inmates in need of personal counseling, crisis intervention, etc.
  
  § Assists in maintaining and conducting a well-rounded program of religious instruction including classes, correspondence, work, and discussion groups. This program involves the assistance of additional personnel, both contract staff and civilian volunteers.
  
  § When required, may occasionally represent the institution at civic and religious meetings, professional conferences, and seminars. Serves as a religious liaison with the outside community through numerous contacts with local clubs, church groups or organizations, etc.
  
  § Establishes working relationships with local clergy and coordinates their contribution to the institution's religious program. Also, provides assistance to such clergy in the understanding of inmate related problems.
  
  § Maintains a close working relationship with other departments within the institution for the purpose of inmate treatment and rehabilitation, and to coordinate activities within the framework of the institution's primary mission.
  
  § Evaluates religious materials coming into the institution and makes recommendations for the expansion of the religious section of the inmate library.
  
  § Serves as a training resource for new staff as well as contract employees and volunteers. Provides information concerning their own involvement in the total religious program of the institution.
  
  § Administrative duties to include but not limited to: responding to inmate requests, keeping and filing service attendance sheets, collect and submit ECSD required annual paperwork for volunteers, adjusting and keeping all schedules up to date and accurate including service schedules and volunteer schedules, surveys, data collection to make recommended adjustments, and screen all religious meal requests and coordinate with Kitchen Manager in conjunction with site Asst. Superintendent.
• Ensure RHU rounds are being conducted at minimum 1x weekly and documented.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Some evenings shall be required to support operations.

AAP/EEO Statement:

The Essex County Sheriff's Department is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• A combination of education and experience may also qualify the individual for this position. Because of the education and experience requirements, chaplaincy appointments are not entry-level positions.

• Must possess an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college. A Master of Divinity degree is preferred. Must have at least two years of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience in a congregational or specialized ministry setting within the endorsing body after formal ministerial preparation. Clinical Pastoral Education may satisfy up to one year of the requirement of pastoral/spiritual experience.

• An Ecclesiastical Endorsement that attests to the incumbent's suitability for correctional ministry, support for his or her candidacy, a clear assurance statement that the applicant has no present not past legal or moral barrier to congregational ministry, and an affirmation that the applicant will facilitate inmates of all faiths opportunities to pursue individual religious beliefs and practices. The applicant's relationship to the endorsing body must reflect a minimum two-year association before endorsement.
  
  § This position requires the incumbent to be able to communicate orally, in writing and to deal effectively with others. The incumbent will provide ministry in a pluralistic setting and will be able to accommodate liturgical and sacramental ministry to persons in a correctional setting.
  
  § Excellent writing and organizational skills with the ability to communicate with both employees and general public and function calmly under pressure.
  
  § Ability to assist in the planning and directing of activities and operations of a Chaplaincy Program.
  
  § Good working knowledge of CMRs and ACA standards as they apply to the Chaplaincy Program.
  
  § Ability to deal effectively with the public, government officials, and legislative bodies.