ASSOCIATE CHAPLAIN
In the unclassified service, Associate Chaplain is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
To be eligible you bring a bachelor's degree, 1 year of relevant experience, and a professional license. The FY2026 range lands between $56,253 and $81,897, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, at Corrections.
How to apply
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No examThis title is not filled by examination
Non-competitive, unclassified, and Senior Executive Service titles are appointed directly by the hiring agency rather than through a civil service exam. Apply directly to the agency below.
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Agency posting
Department of Corrections's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $81,897. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the direction of the supervisor of chaplaincy services or other supervisory official in a state correctional institution, department, institution, or agency, assists with the coordination and provision of spiritual and religious services to residents, incarcerated individuals, and employees of all faiths and denominations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Assists the unit in collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to plan, implement, and monitor programs and services that address the religious and spiritual needs of residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals. Assists with the planning and delivering religious or spiritual services and activities for residents, incarcerated individuals, and employees on a regular or as-needed basis. Assists with preparing and delivering religious sacraments and rites for residents, incarcerated individuals, and employees. Assists with coordinating and leading activities to address the spiritual needs of the institution's residents and employees. Assists with pastoral visits as part of orientation, or in response to requests from family members, facility staff, the supervisor of pastoral services, or the chaplain. Assists in engaging with residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals to address their moral, religious, and spiritual needs. Assists in providing advice and counseling to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals on religious, spiritual, and moral topics upon request, while adhering to the institution's practices and policies. Assists in training community volunteers and encourages active participation in religious activities and services, facilitating group collaboration. Assists in promoting awareness of the facility's religious programs by collaborating with community and faith-based groups, or other relevant organizations. Assists in creating and supplying inspirational literature, spiritual discussion topics, and faith-based program resources. Assists in procuring a comprehensive collection of religious books and other materials that support the educational, spiritual, and research needs of residents or incarcerated individuals. Assists in providing support and comfort during grief or bereavement, drawing from spiritual or religious perspectives. Assists with providing end-of-life care by addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs including forgiveness, reconciliation, remorse, and counseling of other grief-related emotions. Assists with preparing regular reports on religious activities and chaplaincy services. Assists with establishing and maintaining files and records. May be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college, university, or seminary with a bachelor's degree.
Experience
A minimum of one (1) year of professional experience and training as a pastoral services provider in a faith group, which shall have included religious, personal, and social counseling.
License
Must have an ecclesiastical endorsement of faith as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or deacon in an established religious faith. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of spiritual resource materials, principles, ceremonies, values, and practices associated with a specific faith. Knowledge of the spiritual, social, economic, personal, and psychological challenges that arise from incarceration or institutionalization. Knowledge of the programs, functions, and challenges commonly encountered in correctional or residential institutions. Knowledge of spiritual and pastoral counseling methods and techniques. Knowledge of modern psychology, penology, and sociology principles and their application in religious programs for incarcerated or institutionalized individuals. Ability to provide religious instruction and conduct faith-based services. Ability to provide moral, religious, and other general counseling to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals from diverse cognitive, social, and ethnic backgrounds. Ability to discuss religious topics with a broad and diverse audience. Proficiency in both oral and written communication. Ability to assist with the educational and recreational programs within the institution. Ability to assist with procuring and maintaining a comprehensive collection of religious books and other materials that support the educational, spiritual, and research needs of residents or incarcerated individuals. Ability to provide culturally sensitive counseling to a diverse population, addressing moral, religious, and general concerns. Ability to conduct formal services of worship. Ability to collaborate with representatives from various faith groups on an ecumenical basis. Ability to collaborate with staff across various program areas to achieve institutional objectives Ability to prepare correspondence and produce monthly reports summarizing work activities for supervisors. Ability to maintain files and records. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The services of the incumbent in this position will be predominantly available for the residents or the incarcerated individuals within an institution; however, they may be extended to the employees in extreme circumstances as deemed appropriate. The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Graduation from a course of theological study may be required by the ordaining or endorsing body. Applicants who do not possess the required degree may substitute additional experience as indicated above on a year-for-year basis. A Master of Divinity Studies or similar programs may be substituted for one (1) year of relevant experience