OVERVIEW
The Chaplain serves as the executive director of Alamance-Orange Prison Ministry by fulfilling responsibilities in the correctional center, churches, and the community at large. Orange Correctional Center is an adult male, minimum custody, state prison with a regular population of 180 inmates and an additional 40 inmates temporarily assigned to a restricted housing facility. The work of this position focuses on direct ministry to and with inmates, their families, institutional staff, and volunteers. Duties are in four categories: ministry, volunteers, administration, and community relations. This is accomplished by providing counsel, planning programs, supervising volunteers, and engaging the local community. The Chaplain performs these and other assigned duties under the direction of the board of directors and in accordance with the needs of the Superintendent and policies of the NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Ministry:
1. Counsel inmates, their families, institutional staff members, and volunteers.
2. Make regular rounds through the detention center and correctional center.
3. Plan, organize, and direct programs including: Yokefellows, Bible studies, family days, One Day with God, and outside speakers.
4. Plan, schedule and coordinate worship services.
5. Assist institutional officials with issues which affect human relations and morale.
6. Plan, lead, host, and coordinate Bible studies.
7. Assist the continued establishment and nurturing of the transition services ministry.
B. Volunteers:
1. Consult with the principal offices of the Correctional Center in order to coordinate volunteer participation in worship services, discipleship activities, Bible studies, and other religious programs.
2. Take an active leadership role in the recruitment and development of volunteers.
3. Supervise and evaluate volunteer participation in worship services, discipleship activities, transition programs, Bible studies, and other programs.
C. Administration:
1. Assist the various committees of the Board of Directors.
2. Help facilitate communication between the Board of Directors, institutional staff, volunteers, churches, and the community, responding to all constituents in a timely manner.
3. Work with staff and board members to plan board functions and meetings.
4. Provide the Board of Directors with regular ministry reports.
5. Discuss issues of morale, staff relations, professional development, job responsibilities, and inmate issues through individual and full-staff meetings at the Correctional Center.
6. Support and work with staff on the re-entry program at the Correctional Center.
D. Community Relations:
1. Promote the ministry and enlist prayer, financial, and volunteer support by speaking to church and community groups.
2. Attend local ministers’ conferences/gatherings on a regular basis.
3. Consult, enlist, and support area clergy, laypersons, and community leaders in an effort to support the operation and funding of the Alamance-Orange Prison Ministry.
4. Assist in the planning, preparation, and carrying out of specific community development events with board members and volunteers. This includes annual fundraising events, quarterly newsletters, and appeal letters.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Theological competence: NCDPS recognizes 13 different faith groups and requires that any chaplain should be willing and prepared to assist all inmates in their faith practice.
2. Considerable knowledge of the principles and methods of clinical pastoral care and the role of the chaplain in an institutional setting.
3. Ability to plan, organize and develop a comprehensive pastoral care program while coordinating with multiple outside groups. Volunteers, and prison staff, in a timely manner.
4. Ability to deal harmoniously with residents, their relatives, staff, and volunteers.
5. Ability to express oneself clearly in oral and written form.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a recognized school of theology and ordination as clergy in good standing with one’s denomination; satisfactory completion of two years of clinical pastoral education in a recognized training program, or two years of full-time pastoral education in a recognized training program, or two years of full-time institutional experience as a clinical chaplain, or four years of experience as a parish clergyperson, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.