Chaplain (Supervisory Chaplain)
Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System - Department of Justice
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following basic qualification requirements: Education: (1) Bachelor’s Degree: An applicant must possess an earned baccalaureate degree with no less than 120 semester hours from a qualifying educational institution. AND (2) Graduate Theological Degree: An applicant must also possess the degree of Master of Divinity or equivalent theological educational qualifications. Equivalent educational qualifications means a conferred degree comprised of no less than 72 semester hours of graduate coursework including: 20 semester hours in pastoral ministry. 20 semester hours in any combination of theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. 20 semester hours in the study of sacred writings, including the study of languages in which sacred writings are/were written. 12 semester hours in religious history and/or world religions. Formal Supervised Ministry Training: If the Master’s degree program does not indicate formal supervised ministry experience, applicants must have documentation of completing formal training in supervised ministry (e.g. Clinical Pastoral Education [CPE], field theological education program, or professional ministry internship, etc.). AND Experience: Professional Ministry Experience: Applicants must have at least 4,160 hours of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience. This is equivalent to two years of full-time formal religious leadership experience compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s religious organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. This experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization. Four units of CPE may satisfy up to one year of the requirement of pastoral and spiritual leadership experience. AND Ecclesiastical Endorsement: An Ecclesiastical Endorsement attests to: the applicant’s suitability for correctional ministry, support for his or her candidacy, a clear assurance statement that the applicant has no present or 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. In order to receive full consideration for this vacancy, you are required to complete and submit the Bureau of Prisons’ Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form (BP-A0679). A copy of this form can be obtained by accessing www.bop.gov or Clicking Here and then click on “Find a Form”. AND Religious Credentials: Applicants will be ordained clergy or members of ecclesiastically recognized religious institutes of vowed men or women. In lieu of professional ordination credentials, adequate documentation of the applicant’s recognized religious and ministerial roles in their respective faith communities is required. AND Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level in federal service. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled. Some examples of qualifying experience are: Experience in identifying religions needs, coordinating religious programs/activities and providing religious accommodation for various faith groups to ensure pastoral and spiritual care is provided on a consistent basis. Experience in oral and written community with various faith communities, staff and outside stakeholders to ensure clear communication, orderly running and security of the department. Experience in identifying, purchasing and distribution of religious accouterments for the various faith communities to ensure equity in religious accommodation. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities. **Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. Our highly-skilled, diverse, and innovative workforce creates a strong foundation of safety and security. Through the principles of humanity and normalcy, we develop good neighbors.