There are some openings coming up in Texas with the Texas Youth Commission. The job requirements are not as stringent as it would be for hospital chaplaincy.

If youth corrections chaplaincy holds some interest for you, contact:

JOHN D. STUTZ
Administrator of Chaplaincy Services
Texas Youth Commission
Central Office Annex
6400 East HWY 290, Suite 202
Austin, TX 78723
Office/ 512-533-2757
Fax/512-533-2703
"PRO DEO ET PATRIA"

There is an immediate opening at Giddings:

TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION Applications are now being accepted for the following position(s):

Position Title: Chaplain II — Correctional Facility Chaplain Job Vacancy
Number: GSHS-060013
Location: Giddings, TX
Posting Date: 12/12/2005
Salary, Group: $2859 - $4059.08/mo B9
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Work Schedule: Full Time
FLSA Status: exempt
Apply To: Giddings State School
2661 James Turman Rd
PO Box 600
Giddings, Texas 78942
Location of Position: Giddings State School
2661 James Turman Rd
PO Box 600
Giddings, Texas

Comment: Applicants must attach to the application a copy of a high school diploma or college diploma or transcript if a degree or college semester hours is required to meet minimum qualifications. A copy of all required certifications and/or licenses must also be attached to the application.

JOB SUMMARY:The Correctional Facility Chaplain is responsible for the provision of pastoral care to incarcerated juvenile offenders, and their families when requested. The Correctional Facility Chaplain is a representative of his or her faith group organization and is required to maintain current written ecclesiastical endorsement by their local religious authority. This professional position acts as the religious program manager ensuring that all youth are afforded the opportunity to practice the faith of their choice and coordinates the various activities of those faith groups. The Correctional Facility Chaplain provides pastoral care and counseling, that frequently includes notification of death or other tragedy and grief counseling in such situations. Additional duties/responsibilities include supervising religious education classes, counseling members of youths families as requested, and pastoral duties for youth within their own religious faith group.

The Correctional Facility Chaplain is the facility's primary advisor on and implementer of religious program policy, clarifying issues involving various faith practices, religious articles, religious diets and other religious standards and ensuring that these are permitted to the fullest extent possible within usually restrictive corrections environs. The Correctional Facility Chaplain works closely with the facility's community relations coordinator to recruit, train, coordinate, and supervise volunteers and representatives of the various faith community to encourage community participation in correctional facility programs and ensure that volunteer activities are conducted in a diverse, yet secure manner. The Correctional Facility Chaplain maintains ties with their own religious faith group for purposes of support, vocational identity, accountability, evaluations, and fellowship; and also participates in a network of other faith groups for purposes of common concerns of correctional chaplaincy, sharing of training opportunities, informing the community of needs and objectives of correctional chaplaincy, and fellowship.

The Correctional Facility Chaplain performs moderately complex ministerial clergy work under general supervision, and may exercise moderate initiative and judgment in program planning and implementation. This position may be required to work overtime or be on call.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences or a related field of study; and five (5) years full-time, wage-earning ministerial experience with documentation. Ministerial experience in a correctional or institutional environment is highly preferred.

Substitution allowed: One (1) year of experience as described in excess of the required five (5) years of ministerial experience may be substituted for thirty (30) semester hours from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis. (i.e. Minimum of ninety (90) semester hours plus six (6) years experience as described; sixty (60) semester hours plus seven (7) years experience as described; thirty (30) semester hours plus eight (8) years experience as required; or minimum of nine (9) years experience as described.)-OR Masters degree from a Seminary with a Major in Divinity or Religious Studies; and three (3) years full-time, wage-earning ministerial experience with documentation. Ministerial experience in a correctional or institutional environment is highly preferred.

Written Ecclesiastical Endorsement by the applicant's local religious authority, affirming that the applicant is performing a valid ministry of the Church, has presented evidence of calling and training for ministry, is a minister or member in good standing with the faith group organization, has completed appropriate training for the specialized ministry and has an appropriate pastoral background, and will maintain accountability with the Church. The Endorsement verifies a covenant of mutual commitment, accountability, and support between the applicant and the faith group organization. (This Ecclesiastical Endorsement is required to be maintained and updated every two (2) years following employment.) Note: The certificate of Ecclesiastical Endorsement must be attached at the time of application or provided upon request. All diploma(s), GED's, semester hours, or degree(s) required to meet minimum qualifications must be obtained from an accredited educational institution.

THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO MANDATORY PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING AND ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON ACCEPTABLE RESULTS FROMA DRUG SCREEN CONDUCTED FOR THE AGENCY.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the religious needs of delinquent and emotionally disturbed youth, and an awareness of the professional literature in the field of delinquency and religion. Considerable knowledge of religious beliefs and practices of a diverse range of faith groups and denominations, and the resources pertaining to religious beliefs, standards, and practices. Ability to maintain the highest ethical standard of behavior and avoid any social, personal, financial, or political situation that might discredit their ministry or correctional chaplaincy services. Ability and authorization by their religious judicatory to administer ordinances and/or sacraments, to counsel, and to provide worship and religious services for youth in correctional settings. Ability to exercise their ministry without influencing others to change their religious preference or faith, or communicating derogative attitudes toward other faiths. Ability to balance administrative duties with direct ministry through individual or group activities, which include religious services, spiritual activities, and pastoral counseling. Ability to speak and write effectively. Ability to relate to and cooperate with persons from other professional disciplines in a corrections environment and the community. Skilled in interacting professionally and effectively with juvenile offenders, their families, correctional staff, local clergy of diverse faith groups, and community organizations and faith groups. Ability to demonstrate high degree of effectiveness in the areas of pastoral care and counseling, and to adequately interpret and assess the religious needs of the youth. Ability to communicate the policies and procedures pertaining to the religious rights and needs of youth in the correctional facility.

Refer Apps/Inquiries To:
Texas Youth Commission
Giddings State School
2661 James Turman Rd
PO Box 600
Giddings, TX 78942

Tanya Iselt
Phone: 979-542-3686
Fax: 979-542-0352
Email: tanya.iselt@tyc.state.tx.us

About this facility
Download a State Application

Additional openings will be coming up at:
Vernon; Crockett; Beaumont; Mart II (60 miles east of Waco); Brownwood II
I suspect the job description listed above would be similar for each.