Director of Chaplaincy
9 days ago
Philadelphia
Job Description Position Summary: The Director of Chaplaincy Services is to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development for chaplaincy services across the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP). The Director will ensure the delivery of responsive, equitable, and professionally managed religious and spiritual services that support the diverse needs of the incarcerated population and align with PDP’s broader goals of restoration, wellness, and successful reentry. Duties and Responsibilities: Leadership, Oversight, and Administration Provide active leadership and day-to-day management of all chaplaincy staff and volunteers, including establishing clear expectations, maintaining accountability, and fostering a professional and collaborative team environment. Develop and implement standard operating procedures, communication protocols, and organizational systems to ensure timely responses, effective coordination, and consistent service delivery. Maintain regular and reliable communication with PDP leadership, including timely responses to emails, requests, and emergent issues. Convene and lead structured monthly chaplaincy staff meetings, including documentation of attendance, agendas, and action items. Supervise, evaluate, and support chaplaincy staff and volunteers through routine performance check-ins and ongoing training opportunities. Program Development and Service Delivery Ensure the equitable, consistent, and well-documented delivery of religious services and spiritual care to individuals of all faith traditions, including those with lesser-represented beliefs Coordinate, expand, and actively manage a comprehensive schedule of religious services, programming, and pastoral care activities across all PDP facilities. Collaborate with Wardens, Deputy Wardens, and other correctional and social services staff to ensure appropriate space allocation, scheduling efficiency, and minimal disruption to facility operations. Conduct an annual assessment of religious and spiritual needs across the incarcerated population and develop responsive programming based on findings. Maintain and publicly post (for incarcerated individuals and operations staff) an up-to-date, accessible schedule of all chaplaincy services and volunteer programming. Systems, Accountability, and Reporting Develop and maintain systems to track service delivery, program participation, volunteer engagement, and unmet needs; provide monthly data reports to PDP leadership. Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and comprehensive reports as required by PDP, including a monthly narrative, program updates, challenges, and requested growth recommendations. Review, verify, and submit all chaplaincy-related invoices in a timely, organized manner, ensuring alignment with the services rendered. Ensure compliance with all PDP policies, procedures, and security protocols, including facilitating required training for chaplaincy staff and volunteers. Coordination and Institutional Support Provide the Food Services Director with a comprehensive and accurate list of religious Holy Days prior to January of each year, with ongoing updates as needed. Oversee and standardize processes for clergy visits, including timely memos, validation, and coordination with facility leadership. Ensure timely and compassionate notification to families in the event of serious illness, injury, or death, in accordance with PDP protocols. Attend all required meetings and actively contribute to PDP initiatives related to wellness, rehabilitation, and reentry. Collaborate with the PDP Training Academy to support the integration of spiritual care and cultural competency into staff training, as requested. Provide invocations, benedictions, or other ceremonial support at PDP events, as requested. Strategic Growth and Innovation Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand chaplaincy services, including recruitment of new volunteers, partnerships with community-based faith organizations, and reentry-focused spiritual supports. Develop initiatives that connect spiritual care to broader reentry goals, including healing, family reconnection, and community integration. Promote a culture of inclusivity, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the chaplaincy unit. Reporting Requirements The Director of Chaplaincy Services will be responsible for submitting timely, accurate, and comprehensive documentation of all services and activities. This includes: • Regular submission of timesheets in accordance with PDP requirements, • Monthly reports summarizing services provided, program participation, and volunteer engagement, and identifying needs or gaps, • Timely submission of invoices aligned with documented services, • Additional meetings, reports, or updates as requested by PDP leadership The selected individual must successfully pass all required background checks and security clearances in accordance with Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) policies prior to the start of services and must maintain compliance throughout the duration of the contract. The Director must demonstrate substantial knowledge of chaplaincy services, spiritual care, and religious programming within institutional or correctional settings. Technical Requirements The Director of Chaplaincy Services must demonstrate strong technological proficiency to effectively manage operations, communication, and reporting. At a minimum, the Director must: Utilize email and communication platforms to maintain timely and professional correspondence with PDP leadership, staff, and external partners Develop and maintain digital schedules, tracking systems, and program documentation Prepare and submit electronic reports, memos, invoices, and data summaries in a timely manner Use basic office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets) to support organization, reporting, and data tracking Adapt to and effectively use any PDP-required systems or platforms Access to a computer and telephone is required; however, the ability to use technology efficiently, consistently, and responsively is essential to successful performance in this role. Key deliverables will follow a recurring schedule, including: • Daily/Weekly: Coordination of chaplaincy services, scheduling of clergy, and volunteers, and communication with PDP staff and partners, • Monthly: Submission of written reports detailing programming, participation, service coverage, and identified gaps or needs, • Quarterly: Review of program effectiveness and implementation of improvements based on identified needs and trends Education and Experience: Preferred qualifications include: • A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in chaplaincy, pastoral care, or a related field, with at least one year in a leadership or supervisory capacity, • Experience working in correctional facilities, hospitals, or other structured institutional environments, • Demonstrated ability to support individuals from diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds, • Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage complex schedules, • Proficiency with basic technology, including email, data tracking, and report preparation (e.g., Microsoft Office or similar systems) Access to a computer and telephone is required; however, the ability to use technology efficiently, consistently, and responsively is essential to successful performance in this role. The position requires a consistent level of effort of 37.5 hours per week, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. The Director must maintain a regular on-site presence, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support religious services, special programming, and facility needs. Equal Opportunity Employment: PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Americans with Disabilities Act: Employees and applicants who are currently or become disabled must be able to perform the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law
