CHAPLAIN (State)
Chaplain falls in New Jersey's unclassified service: an appointing authority hires for it directly, without a civil service exam.
It expects a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $72,896 to $106,798, and state payroll currently lists about 39 people in the title, led by Corrections.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites 11A:3-4(l), state unclassified service.
(l) All other titles as provided by law or as the Civil Service Commission may determine.
A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Who employs this title
Chaplain appears on the State payroll at 4 departments, most of them at Department of Corrections.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Corrections | 21 |
| Department of Health | 12 |
| Juvenile Justice Commission | 3 |
| Veterans Affairs | 3 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 39 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $99,911. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (21)
- Health and Senior Services (12)
- Juvenile Justice Commission (3)
- Veterans Affairs (3)
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of the supervisor of chaplaincy services, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency coordinates and provides spiritual and religious services to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals of all faiths and denominations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to plan, implement, and monitor programs and services that address the religious and spiritual needs of residents, incarcerated individuals, and employees. Plans and delivers religious and spiritual services and activities for residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals on a regular or as-needed basis. Prepares and administers religious sacraments and rites for residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals. Coordinates and leads activities to address the spiritual needs of the institution's residents and employees. Conducts pastoral visits as part of orientation, or in response to requests from family members, facility staff, the supervisor of pastoral services, or a chaplain. Engages with residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals to address their moral, religious, and spiritual needs. Provides advice and counseling to residents, employees, and incarcerated individuals on religious, spiritual, and moral topics upon request, while adhering to the institution's policies. Trains community volunteers and encourages active participation in religious activities and services, facilitating group collaboration. Promotes awareness of facility religious programs by collaborating with community and faith-based groups, or other relevant organizations. Creates and supplies inspirational literature, spiritual discussion topics, and faith-based program resources. Provides support and comfort during grief or bereavement, drawing from spiritual or religious perspectives. Procures a comprehensive collection of religious books and other materials that support the educational, spiritual, and research needs of residents or incarcerated individuals. Provides end-of-life care by addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs including forgiveness, reconciliation, remorse, and counseling or other grief-related emotions. Prepares regular reports on office activities and functions, along with other required reports. Establishes and maintains files and records. Will 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. REQUIREMENTS:
Education
Graduation from an accredited college, university, or seminary with a bachelor's degree.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or deacon in the offices of a religious faith, which shall have included religious, personal, and social counseling, with one (1) year of supervised pastoral counseling (such as clinical pastoral education) in an institutional setting.
License
Appointees will be required to possess certification or accreditation as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or deacon in an established religious faith, and an endorsement for chaplaincy where required by the ordaining or endorsing body. 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 social, economic, and psychological challenges that arise from incarceration or institutionalization. Knowledge of the programs, functions, and associated challenges commonly encountered in a correctional or residential institution. 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 services for residents and employees. Ability to procure and maintain 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 moral, religious, and general counseling to residents 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 conduct formal worship services. Ability to collaborate with representatives from various faith groups on an ecumenical basis. Ability to provide culturally sensitive counseling to a diverse resident population, addressing moral, religious, and general concerns. 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 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 as 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.