Chaplain - SCI Somerset

The Chaplain position with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset offers a meaningful opportunity to share hope, guidance, and spiritual care with individuals who are searching for direction. This role allows you to support inmates from many faith backgrounds while helping nurture an environment grounded in respect, dignity, and understanding. You will offer comfort, encouragement, and steady presence as individuals move through the challenges of incarceration.

This is a deeply fulfilling role for someone who feels called to serve with compassion, integrity, and a sincere commitment to helping others grow.

This position supports a comprehensive interfaith religious services program by offering guidance, conducting services, and assisting individuals from all faith backgrounds. It requires strong communication skills, steady leadership, and sensitivity to diverse needs. As a Chaplain, you will perform the following duties:

• Plan and lead faith‑specific gatherings, administer sacraments and rites, and arrange accommodations for inmates of other faiths.
• Provide spiritual, grief, and special counseling and visit inmates in general population, specialized units, and community hospitals.
• Facilitate religious discussion groups, screen religious materials, and oversee activities for inmates with special needs.
• Participate in committees, evaluate accommodation requests, and attend community interfaith events to promote facility religious programs.
• Assist with recruiting, training, and orienting volunteers, visitors, and interns involved with the Religious Services Department.
• Document program activities, prepare required reports, and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.

• Full‑time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours will include shifts to be determined at the time of hire.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework:
  This position does not allow telework.
• Starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes) for new employees.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

• Two years of professional pastoral experience and a bachelor’s degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional pastoral experience.

• Provide documentation from an officially sanctioned faith group dated within one year of application date stating official sanction and specifying sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals authorized to perform as a religious leader.
• Complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
• Maintain credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Pass a background investigation and meet CJIS compliance requirements.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.