Chaplain; LCP Chaplain

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following basic qualification requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: An applicant must have a conferred 4‑year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or by clicking Here and then click on "Find a Form".

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.

In addition to the above Basic Requirements, applicants must meet the following qualification requirements:

Master’s degree: Candidates must have a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological education. Equivalent theological education represented by 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.

Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization.

4,160 hours (2 years) full‑time specialized experience at the next lower grade.

Note: Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience.

Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization.

Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements, but do not meet the graduate education requirement, may be found qualified with Professional Ministry Experience.

10,400 hours (5 years) full‑time specialized experience at the next lower grade.

Note: Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience.

Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization.

Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and/or professional ministry experience.

10,400 hours (5 years) of a combination of qualifying theological education, CPE units, and/or professional ministry experience.

Note: A two‑year conferred graduate theological or religious degree will qualify as 4,160 hours (2 years) of professional ministry experience. Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, the experience must be properly documented in the resume (see Required Documents section below for more information).