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Correctional Chaplain Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Milan, MI · On-site

$63K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.Qualifications: To be considered for ...

Chaplain

Milan, MI · On-site

$63K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.Qualifications: To be considered for ...

Correctional Chaplain information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$55.4K

$85.4K

How much do correctional chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional chaplain in Michigan is $55,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $69,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correctional chaplain?

Correctional Chaplains are spiritual leaders who provide religious services, counseling, and support to inmates and staff within correctional facilities. They facilitate worship services, offer spiritual guidance, and help individuals of various faiths maintain their religious practices while incarcerated. Correctional Chaplains also assist with crisis intervention, grief support, and help inmates adjust to life in prison, promoting rehabilitation and positive change.

What does a correctional chaplain do?

As a correctional chaplain, your duties involve providing faith services for inmates in a prison or jail facility. Your responsibilities may vary from inmate to inmate—you may offer spiritual guidance, answer questions about religion, or provide support and counsel to inmates for religious or non-religious issues. Some chaplains may also interact with and offer services to family members of inmates. A chaplain may plan religious services within the prison and coordinate volunteer programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a correctional chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Chaplain, you need a strong background in theology or religious studies, pastoral training, and relevant certification or ordination in a recognized faith tradition. Familiarity with case management systems, prison protocols, and security procedures is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help chaplains build trust and support diverse inmate populations. These skills are vital for providing spiritual guidance, fostering rehabilitation, and maintaining a safe, respectful correctional environment.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional chaplains, and how can they effectively address them?

Correctional chaplains often encounter challenges such as working with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, supporting inmates through trauma or crisis, and maintaining appropriate boundaries in a correctional setting. They must be adaptable, culturally sensitive, and skilled in communication to provide meaningful spiritual care. Building trust while respecting institutional rules is key, as is collaborating closely with correctional staff and mental health professionals to ensure holistic support for inmates.

What is the difference between Correctional Chaplain vs Prison Counselor?

AspectCorrectional ChaplainPrison Counselor
CredentialsReligious degrees, ordination, or certificationPsychology, social work, or counseling licenses
Work EnvironmentPrisons, jails, detention centersPrisons, detention centers, rehabilitation programs
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, religious organizations

Correctional Chaplains primarily provide spiritual support, religious services, and counseling based on faith, while Prison Counselors focus on mental health, rehabilitation, and behavioral therapy. Both roles work within correctional settings but serve different needs—spiritual vs. psychological—making their functions distinct yet complementary in the correctional system.

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Chaplain jobs in Michigan?

For Correctional Chaplain jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Correctional Chaplain jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Correctional Chaplain jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Correctional Chaplain job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,422 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Values and Responsibility Spiritual Guide

GDR Defense

Milan, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Values and Responsibility Spiritual Guide

Company: GDR Defense
Location: FCI Milan, 4004 East Arkona Road, Milan, MI 48160
Schedule: Approximately 24 hours per week, Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Occasional evenings may be required.
Status: Contingent upon contract award

Position Summary

GDR Defense is seeking a Spiritual Guide to support the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Life Connections Program. The selected candidate will provide interfaith instruction and leadership to adults in custody from diverse faith backgrounds, including those with no religious affiliation.

Responsibilities
  • Lead classes on spirituality, religious tolerance, emotional and conflict management, family connections, integrity, and leadership.
  • Facilitate journaling, discussions, community-service activities, and victim-impact programming.
  • Work with the Life Connections Chaplain to monitor participant progress and improve instruction.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and comply with all institutional security requirements.
  • Complete required BOP orientation and training.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or current enrollment in a master’s program in Divinity, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field.
  • Member in good standing with a local religious organization.
  • Strong teaching, group-facilitation, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations in a secure correctional environment.
  • Ability to pass applicable DOJ/BOP background, fingerprinting, security, and suitability requirements.
Application Requirements

Submit a resume, proof of education or enrollment, one religious-organization endorsement letter, and two personal references.