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Catholic Correctional Chaplain (Office of Restorative Justice)

CATHOLIC CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN

Department: Office of Restorative Justice

Location: Los Angeles

Status: Non-Exempt, Part Time

(2 Positions Open)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Office of Restorative Justice Catholic Correctional Chaplain provides pastoral leadership and is accountable for the establishment of an effective Catholic Chaplaincy program at an assigned institution. The chaplain provides opportunities for and assists the Catholic community in understanding and participating in the Gospel mandate to visit the imprisoned. Chaplaincy includes a prophetic role of shaping a constituency of conscience, which measures policies and practice according to Gospel values, particularly the religious rights and freedoms of incarcerated persons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Because all Archdiocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

• Maintaining a consistent and effective pastoral presence at the assigned institution with special attention to the care and treatment of the incarcerated people. At times it may be necessary to address staff and the administration when life is degraded or diminished. This will involve skilled negotiation and dialogue with the institution administration to obtain adequate access to the residents and to affect appropriate changed in the policies and procedures of the facility.
• Providing and coordinating liturgical and sacramental services each week which include Masses or Communion services, the Sacrament Reconciliation, faith sharing groups and Bible study, the Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation when needed.
• Providing crisis intervention and pastoral counseling for residents, their families and staff when needed and appropriate.
• Recruiting, interviewing, training and supervising volunteers working in their institution. Occasional writing and speaking engagements about the ministry and participation in the Archdiocesan Office of Restorative Justice are expected.
• Developing a realistic pastoral plan for the institution which includes specific objectives for meeting the pastoral plan’s goal is required in written form.
• Maintaining the Catholic Correctional Chaplain’s office in the institution in a professional manner.
• Achieving financial independence is encouraged when possible and financial accountability for maintaining the Catholic Correctional Chaplaincy program is required.
• Maintaining open communication and an ecumenical spirit with the pastoral personnel and the correctional administrative staff who are serving the facility.
• Attending staff meetings, in-services, and training programs of all chaplains.
• Participating on committees which help further the mission and ministry of the Office of Restorative Justice is expected, including support of systemic change in corrections’ system and the abolition of the death penalty.

Minimum qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, typically:

• Bachelor’s Degree in theology, spirituality, counseling, philosophy, criminal justice or a related field. Or equivalent training and formation in a recognized program.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in pastoral ministry.
• Experience administration and working as a team member.
• Experience and demonstrated aptitude in ministering to the incarcerated and economically disadvantaged populations.
• Must be a Roman Catholic with knowledge of Catholic Church organization and teachings.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Commitment to Gospel values and holds a consistent life ethic.
• Participates on committees which help further the mission and ministry of the Office of Detention Ministry, including the support of systemic change in the corrections’ systems and the abolition of the death penalty.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Archdiocese principles, practices, and organization.
• Church teachings and philosophies.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Modern office methods and procedures.

Skill in:

• Public relations and contact.
• Report preparation and presentation.
• Short-range organizational planning.
• Negotiation and dialogue with the institution administration to obtain adequate access to the residents and to affect appropriate changes in the policies and procedures of the facility.

Ability to:

• Display sensitivity to various situations and needs.
• Direct and supervise the work of volunteers.
• Analyze situations and use judgment and resourcefulness.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Sit for sustained periods of time on a daily basis.
• Perform tasks requiring intermittent bending, stooping and walking.
• Sustain frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hand and arms.

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