Position Information
Job Series: Counseling and Mental Health - Independent
Classification: Chaplain
Class Code: SCM01I
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Chaplain provides spiritual care, counseling, and emotional support to individuals in state institutions, correctional facilities, healthcare centers, and other government-operated programs. This position ensures that residents, patients, inmates, and staff have access to pastoral guidance, religious services, and crisis intervention in alignment with Arkansas state policies and federal guidelines on religious accommodation. The Chaplain must be a compassionate, nonjudgmental leader who can work with individuals from diverse religious, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. This role requires strong counseling, crisis intervention, and communication skills to provide ethical and inclusive spiritual support.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide one-on-one and group spiritual counseling to individuals in state-operated facilities.
Conduct religious services, prayer meetings, and faith-based discussions as requested.
Offer guidance, hope, and emotional support to individuals dealing with trauma, grief, mental health issues, or life transitions.
Offer immediate spiritual and emotional support during crises, including illness, loss, incarceration, or family separation.
Serve as a first responder for individuals experiencing spiritual distress, anxiety, or emotional trauma.
Provide end-of-life care and bereavement counseling to patients and families in healthcare settings.
Ensure all individuals have the right to practice their faith or spirituality freely in accordance with state and federal laws.
Promote religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and ethical decision-making within institutions.
Maintain strict confidentiality when providing spiritual care and counseling.
Follow ethical and professional standards in pastoral counseling and chaplaincy.
Maintain records of chaplaincy services, religious accommodations, and counseling sessions in compliance with state policies.
Prepare reports on program effectiveness, attendance, and identified needs.
Assist in policy development related to religious services and spiritual care.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of religious traditions, faith-based counseling, and pastoral care best practices.
Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care strategies.
Understanding of legal and ethical guidelines surrounding religious accommodations and public-sector chaplaincy.
Case documentation and report writing skills.
Basic knowledge of mental health support, addiction recovery, and grief counseling.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to handle high-stress environments.
Minimum Qualifications
Must have a minimum of one year of working in pastoral care, chaplaincy, or faith-based counseling and/or one year of experience working in healthcare, corrections, social services, or government institutions.
Licensure/Certifications
Must hold ordination, endorsement, or certification from a recognized faith-based organization, religious denomination, or chaplaincy board.
Must be eligible for or possess a Chaplain Certification from a nationally recognized chaplaincy organization such as:
Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI)
National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)
Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)
Licensed Pastoral Counselor (if applicable to counseling roles).
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
