Native American Spiritual Leader​/Chaplain- Sheriff's Office

Overview

Under general supervision provides spiritual and moral guidance to inmates, facility staff and families within the detention facility; to conduct and/or facilitate Native American spiritual ceremonies, oral traditions, cultural studies and performs related work as assigned. (Illustrative Only)

• Provides spiritual, ethical and moral guidance through cultural perspective, spiritual services, instruction, and literature
• Conducts and Facilitates in Native American spiritual ceremonies including but not limited to smudging, tobacco, and Sweat Lodge ceremonies that provide opportunities for self-improvement, and the observance of rituals
• Ensures that inmates are provided access to religious activities, materials, diets, and other legitimate tenets of their faith
• Assists in crisis prevention for inmates including depression, suicide attempts, discipline problems and next of kin notifications
• Organize and instructs activities in Native American expression, oral tradition, ethics, cultural heritage, and sacred music.
• Cooperates with other staff in carrying out the facility treatment programs; coordinates programs conducted by outside religious facilitators and groups; explains and interprets the facility’s Native American Spiritual program to groups and personnel.
• May serve on boards, committees and/or institutional treatment teams
• Provide peer counseling with critical stress incident management (CISM) events.
• Other duties as assigned

Currently recognized as a spiritual leader and in good standing with his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Community. Must provide a letter of certification of good standing and experience.

One (1) year of Native American Spiritual Leader experience in a setting recognized by his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Community.

Must show that he/she embodies fundamental Native American cultural/spiritual values with ability to effectively teach these values and instill them in others.

Ability to work in the cross-cultural institutional setting; insight into the factors involved in the development of behavior problems; demonstrate aptitude for working effectively with an interest in the welfare and spiritual needs of facility residents; emotional stability; adaptability; firmness; patience; self-control; tact; good communication skills; neat personal appearance; good judgment in moral, ethical, and spiritual matters.

Working knowledge of: Religious, psychological, mental and social needs of adult offenders and staff

Native American ceremonies and/or cultural events; exercise of rituals

Purposes of correctional institutions and their respective methods of rehabilitation for adult inmates

Pastoral counseling principles and techniques

Understanding of other religious denominations

Social services available within the County

Skill in: Coordination of spiritual programs with other clergy and staff;
Preparing and conducting spiritual services and courses or studies

Ability to: Establish, build and maintain interpersonal relations with inmates, family members and representative, community social health and welfare personnel, law enforcement and court representatives, employees, other agencies and the public;
Establish rapport with people of varied denominational and socio-economic backgrounds and maintain non-judgmental behavior;
Deal effectively with groups or individuals under stressful conditions;
Prepare and maintain accurate documentation and records;
Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety;
Follow written and verbal instructions;
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ameri Corps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.