JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS RELIGIOUS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR

JOB CODE: 47902

DEFINITION: This is professional administrative work in the development, management, and coordination of religious and volunteer services programs in the Department of Corrections (DOC).

The employee in this job plans, develops, and coordinates the administration of statewide religious and volunteer services programs to ensure quality services are provided to the inmate population. Work involves developing and recommending changes to rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for assigned programs, and collecting and analyzing information to evaluate program administration and to maintain compliance with accreditation standards and federal, state, and departmental regulations and objectives. Work includes integrating services with the needs of inmates and providing consultative services to facility and contracted religious services staff and volunteers regarding the administration of programs. Work is performed independently under the direction of the Corrections Religious and Volunteer Services Administrator and is reviewed through reports, conferences, and overall program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Evaluates regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure conformance with departmental objectives.

• Researches and analyzes program data, issues, and trends to develop recommendations for program improvements.

• Consults with and advises central office and facility staff regarding religious requests.

• Conducts annual internal reviews to assess the quality of religious services and compliance with laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and accreditation standards.

• Reviews and recommends revisions to facility policies and procedures to ensure statewide consistency and standardization in the delivery of religious services.

• Develops policies and procedures regulating the use of contracted chaplains, including monitoring the services provided by contract chaplains to ensure that the department remains in compliance with approved criteria.

• Serves as co-chairperson of the Religious Accommodation Review Committee.

• Evaluates training needs of chaplains and other institution personnel regarding religious program guidelines and specific faith-based awareness, develops training, and facilitates training opportunities.

• Researches requests to recognize new religions and recommends the development of new services and sourcing of providers to meet specific religious needs.

• Assists with the management of the statewide volunteer services program, to include developing and implementing policies and processes related to the recruitment, coordination, screening, training, placement, and evaluation of volunteers.

• Receives and evaluates inmate grievances, inmate correspondence, and correspondence from community citizens concerning religious and volunteer matters and resolves or recommends responses to grievances or inquiries.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the spiritual needs of individuals in an institutional or specialized chaplaincy program.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, values, and customs of different faith groups.

• Knowledge of individual religious rights and human rights protections.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, develop, and revise policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to conduct research and formulate recommendations.

• Ability to coordinate and integrate programs designed to meet the spiritual needs of individuals.

• Ability to monitor and evaluate religious services programs for effectiveness.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a Chaplain (Commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional experience in the development and implementation of religious services programs in a correctional facility, hospital, university, or in a similar institutional operation, and a bachelor's degree in religion, theology, divinity, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All candidates are required, at the time of application, to provide documentation from an officially sanctioned faith group dated within one year of the application date stating they are officially sanctioned or authorized to conduct worship/sacred services, and specifying which sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals they are authorized to perform as a religious leader.

• The employee in this job must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.

• The employee in this job must maintain their credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.