Interfaith Coordinator

General Statement of Duties:

This position in the Essex County Sheriff’s Department has broad responsibilities for the development and implementation of policies and programs to provide the prison population with religious and ministerial services. Staff Chaplains are expected to provide pastoral care, manage religious programs, and administer resources. Chaplains are expected to provide a pastoral presence throughout the institution through regular visits to the housing units and three facilities. Chaplains will set up a schedule of religious activities providing equitable and reasonable opportunities for worship, study and religious programs. Chaplains will also communicate the mission and goal of the Department by being a ready source for expert information to staff and communicating clearly and in a timely manner the variety of activities of the Department. Collaboration with all Essex sites will ensure the population continues to be provided with quality services.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of Asst. Superintendent from each facility (Middleton, ECPRC, WIT) Each Asst. Superintendent will provide instruction, guidance, assign work, review performance through oral and written reports for adherences to policy and conformance with rules and regulations of the Department, collaborate and manage all religious requests including diets, and in the absence of the Interfaith Coordinator the Asst. Superintendents will be responsible for all requests and documentation for their respective site.  

Supervision Exercised:

Oversees contract workers and volunteers who provide religious activities for the inmate population.

Essential Functions: The Interfaith Coordinator shall have physical access to all areas of the institution and be responsible for:

• Planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing inmate religious programs and services

• Establishing schedules, calendars, postings or other methods of informing inmates and staff of existing and planned religious programs and services.  Programs shall be planned in conjunction with the Asst. Superintendents from each site.
• Providing oversight to all religious programs including, but not limited to: 1. Recruiting, screening and orienting prospective volunteers for religious programs and services; 2.   Utilizing volunteer chaplains; 3. Approval and training of both lay and clergy volunteers from faiths represented by the inmate population

  §  Providing pastoral counseling and guidance to the inmate population.

  §  Attend professional training, seminars, and meetings approved by the Middleton Asst. Superintendent.

  §  Along with all other employees, Chaplains are charged with responsibility for ensuring security of the institution. The Chaplains correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

  §  Provides a full pastoral ministry to inmates of all faith groups which includes opportunities for their public and private worship on Sundays and other such holy days as are appropriate within each faith group. Visitations are conducted throughout the institution and individual/group counseling is provided to those inmates in need of personal counseling, crisis intervention, etc.

  §  Assists in maintaining and conducting a well-rounded program of religious instruction including classes, correspondence, work, and discussion groups. This program involves the assistance of additional personnel, both contract staff and civilian volunteers.

  §  When required, may occasionally represent the institution at civic and religious meetings, professional conferences, and seminars. Serves as a religious liaison with the outside community through numerous contacts with local clubs, church groups or organizati