Salary: $6,132.00 - $8,253.00 Monthly
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - WCC
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionReligious Coordinator - ChaplainDepartment of Corrections - PrisonsWashington Corrections Center - Shelton, WAFull Time - Permanent (In-person)**Note: This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies**The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking highly motivated and talented individual for the position of Religious Coordinator as Washington Corrections Center (WCC).
Washington Corrections Center is located 35 miles northwest of Olympia, the state capital. WCC is predominantly a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a close, medium-and long-term minimum custody facility. The facility has a primary responsibility to process, test, and classify all adult male incarcerated individuals sentenced to prison in Washington State.
The facility has seven living units, compromised of 5 close custody reception units, and 3 medium and long-term minimum units. WCC houses approximately 1,800 incarcerated individuals. There are approximately 500 incarcerated individuals screened and processed each month. WCC also serves as a major transportation hub responsible for the transfer of incarcerated individuals to and from facilities throughout the state.
The Religious Coordinator (Chaplain) manages the religious services program at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC), providing direct oversight of all religious programs, services, and contracted staff to ensure equal representation and support for all denominations and beliefs. Operating as part of the institutional case management team, the Chaplain conducts religious services, provides moral instruction to Incarcerated Individuals (I/Is) within their respective faith groups, and addresses the spiritual requirements of the entire incarcerated community. Beyond spiritual guidance, this position interviews and counsels I/Is regarding social and family problems, extending direct assistance to their families.
Administratively, the Chaplain assists with policy development, implements DOC policies, and defines operational memorandum (OM) practices for the institution's spiritual programs. Key operational duties include recruiting and evaluating all religious volunteers, as well as coordinating staff training on diverse faith beliefs, practices, and religious property issues. Additionally, the Chaplain manages the disbursement of religious property and ensures strict institutional compliance with Federal and State statutes, DOC Policy 560.200 (Religious Programs), DOC Policy 590.200 (Marriage/Domestic Partnership), and DOC Policy 560.100 (Privileged Communication).
How to ApplyTo be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing the following:
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Cover Letter: Detail how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of this role.
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Resume: Provide a detailed, chronological breakdown of your professional history.
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Professional References: Include contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Note: A professional reference should be someone who has supervised your work and can attest to your performance and skills. If you have limited supervisory references, you may include non-related professional associates, such as educators or colleagues.
DutiesEssential functions and significant responsibilities of this position include: Direct and manage all religious services for the institution- Maintain knowledge of the Federal/State laws and departmental policies governing the delivery of religious programs for the incarcerated individuals.
- Perform, provide and/or direct the performance/delivery of religious services.
- Schedule, supervise, prepare and conduct religious services; administers sacraments and other rites; conducts special services on religious holidays and/or special occasions.
- Attend job related training as required.
- Provides counsel to incarcerated individuals of all religious faiths.
- Ensures individual and group compliance with DOC Religious Property matrix and policy; process religious property working collaboratively with custody staff.
- Assist with the development and management of a religious program budget for the institution.
- Implements policies and procedures relating to religious programs.
Manage and coordinate contractors and/or volunteers with religious programs - Recruit, train and supervise religious volunteers that are qualified to provide religious services. Periodically audit performance, maintain volunteer files and be able to provide evaluations.
- Provide quarterly reports documenting religious volunteer involvement and incarcerated individual attendance at religious services/programs.
- Work with CPPC in administering programs, develop and implement volunteer recruitment programs to involve community volunteers.
- Establish connection with religious leaders of various churches, mosques, temples and other areas of worship; attend Religious Advisory Council (RAC) meetings as scheduled.
Manage the planning and organization of faith-based activities- Perform incarcerated individual counseling that assists with spiritual direction, grief, marriage, relationships, preparation for marriage, goal setting and other counseling as needed.
- Coordinate incarcerated individual marriages. Maintain non-denominational standing.
- Complete religious events packets as required by supervisor expectations.
- Supervise, evaluate and direct the work of incarcerated individuals employed to work in the religious programs areas. Submit payroll for all assigned positions in a timely manner.
- Perform memorial services as necessary.
Manage religious property and diets- Respond to and coordinate with the grievance specialist on matters of religious dispute about diets, property and programs/services that are religious in nature.
- Maintain visibility and availability with the incarcerated individuals by visiting all areas of the prison to include common areas and living units.
- Present a weekly new arrival orientation regarding job-related services available to incarcerated population.
- Other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications: - Three years of experience as a recognized faith leader, priest or religious leader such as Rabbi, Imam, Bishop or Shaman of a nationally recognized faith.
- Ability to minister to and understand the religious needs of incarcerated individuals of all religious/spiritual beliefs.
- Ability to work independently using good judgement.
- Ability to work with individuals who have diverse beliefs and backgrounds, reserving personal opinions and beliefs.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:- A graduate degree in Theology, Sacred Studies, Ministry, Religious Studies, Comparative Religions, Philosophy of Religion or equivalent from an accredited graduate school or university.
- Three years of post-graduate experience as a recognized faith leader, priest, minister, religious leader, rabbi, imam, bishop, shaman or equivalent.
- Be in good standing with and currently recognized and endorsed for correctional faith, religious or spiritual work with a recognized religious body.
How to ApplyTo be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing the following:
•
Cover Letter: Detail how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of this role.
•
Resume: Provide a detailed, chronological breakdown of your professional history.
•
Professional References: Include contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Note: A professional reference should be someone who has supervised your work and can attest to your performance and skills. If you have limited supervisory references, you may include non-related professional associates, such as educators or colleagues.
What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer cont
