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Posted: January 27, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Chaplaincy Program Director - SCI Laurel Highlands

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$67,736 - $102,905

per year

Closes

February 1, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading religious programs in a Pennsylvania state prison, where you'll organize worship services, provide counseling to inmates, and manage a team of clergy to support spiritual growth and rehabilitation.

It's ideal for an experienced religious leader who is passionate about helping people in challenging environments and has a background in pastoral care within institutions like prisons or hospitals.

The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work closely with staff and volunteers to meet diverse spiritual needs.

Key Requirements

  • One year as a Chaplain in a Commonwealth or equivalent Federal role, or three years of professional pastoral experience including one year in an institutional setting with a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination
  • Documentation from an officially sanctioned faith group confirming authorization to conduct worship services and specify authorized sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals (dated within one year of application)
  • Completion of the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire
  • Ongoing maintenance of credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group annually throughout employment
  • Ability to conduct worship services, special and ecumenical services, visitation, and consultation with inmates
  • Experience providing religiously oriented classes, pastoral counseling, and integrating chaplaincy services into inmate care and rehabilitation programs
  • Oversight of facility clergy and ensuring compliance with contract provisions for chaplaincy providers

Full Job Description

Are you ready to bring light and guidance to those who need it most? The Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands is seeking a visionary Chaplaincy Program Director who finds their own purpose in helping others discover theirs. In this role, you will orchestrate all religious services and support programs, collaborating closely with staff and volunteers to ensure the facility remains a place of spiritual growth and stability. Apply today to build a rewarding career where your leadership truly matters!

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Requirements

As a Chaplaincy Program Director, you will have a wide range of responsibilities. These include conducting worship services, special and ecumenical services, visitation, and consultation with inmates.

You will also be responsible for conducting religiously oriented classes and providing religious or pastoral counseling services.

In addition, a crucial aspect of your role will be integrating chaplaincy services to best meet the needs of inmates and the facility.

Your duties will involve evaluating the adequacy of chaplaincy services and ensuring that they are integrated into the overall system of care, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Furthermore, you will oversee the facility's clergy and provide guidance to ensure that all chaplaincy service providers are fulfilling their duties in accordance with contract provisions.


Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
  • Work hours to be determined at the time of hire.
  • This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • One year as a Chaplain (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Three years of professional pastoral experience that includes one year in an institutional or specialized setting and a bachelor’s degree; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional pastoral experience in an institutional or specialized setting.


Special Requirements:
  • At the time of application, you must provide documentation from an officially sanctioned faith group dated within one year of the application date stating you are officially sanctioned or authorized to conduct worship/sacred services, and specifying which sacraments, rites, ceremonies, or rituals you are authorized to perform as a religious leader.
  • You must complete the Correctional Chaplains Training Course within six months of hire.
  • You must maintain your credentials with an officially sanctioned faith group on an annual basis for the duration of employment.

Additional Requirements:

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

Legal Requirement:

  • You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

  • Veterans:

    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

    Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

    • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


    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.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/27/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/27/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5208751