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Correctional Chaplain Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Sturtevant, WI · On-site +1

$27 - $35.03/hr

Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers ... The Chaplain may directly or indirectly plan and oversee religious ceremonies and faith-based ...

New

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 ...

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 Wisconsin salary details

$29.3K

$64.2K

$98.9K

How much do correctional chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional chaplain in Wisconsin is $64,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $80,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Correctional Chaplain jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Correctional Chaplain jobs in Wisconsin are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Correctional Chaplain job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,181 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Chaplain

State of Wisconsin

Sturtevant, WI • On-site, Remote

$27 - $35.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill a Chaplain position. This position is based out of Racine Correctional Institution in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Corrections Program Supervisor, the professional DOC Chaplain is responsible for development, administration and oversight of congregate religious programming and spiritual care for persons of all creeds/faiths/religions residing in minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security correctional facilities. Program delivery will be accomplished primarily through recruitment, training, scheduling and supervision of community volunteers to provide direct activities, such as worship services, religious study groups, spiritual care and special events. DOC Chaplains apply principles of pluralism, and ensure all Umbrella Religion Groups (URGs) and individuals are treated fairly and equitably in accommodations and distribution of facility resources. In coordination with facility leadership, the Chaplain will integrate religious accommodations within the institution's overall rehabilitation/treatment objectives; provide staff education/training on principles of religious pluralism, grief, moral injury, forgiveness, etc.; and participate on committees as assigned.
The position serves as liaison between the Institution and faith-based community organizations. Chaplains also manage religious literature and dietary accommodations, and maintain relevant public records. The Chaplain may directly or indirectly plan and oversee religious ceremonies and faith-based education in the absence of community volunteers. This position may or may not directly facilitate services and study groups within their own religious tradition, depending upon population needs and facility resources.
Salary Information
This position is in pay schedule and range 12-64 with a starting pay of $27.00/hour - $35.03/hour . Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A probationary period is required.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
  • Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
  • Insurance : Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
  • An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan .
  • The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
  • Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
  • DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here .
Job Details
This position is not eligible for remote work and will work on site.
Anticipated schedule will be Monday - Friday 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM.
This position is FLSA Exempt.
This position is not anticipated to travel on a regular basis, but most DOC positions occasionally travel for training, meetings, conferences, or similar events.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.
The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
For more in -depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook .
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have:
  • Experience with religious pluralism and working with diverse populations
  • Administrative Experience (such as: volunteer recruitment and training, scheduling, resource coordination, correspondence, record keeping, written communication, public speaking)
  • Supervised Work Experience (paid or volunteer) within a human/social service setting (such as a correctional agency, residential facility, religious/spiritual organization, or community volunteer organization).

How To Apply
To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
You must upload three (3) required application documents :
Document #1: Resume, Curriculum Vitae, and/or Job history detailing education and work/volunteer experience.
Document #2: Letter of Qualifications explaining your experience as it pertains to the minimum qualifications listed above for the Chaplain position.
Document #3: Service Documentation (e.g. letter, certificate, employment verification) dated within the year prior to this application issued by a faith-community authority OR a community volunteer organization, confirming applicant's:
  • Affiliation with the organization
  • Identifying the individual as a member of good standing
  • Organizational role (e.g. pastor, assistant pastor, youth group ministry, spiritual leader, lay leader, intern, volunteer coordinator) and Length of Service.
Your resume and letter of qualifications should detail your training and experience specifically related to the qualifications section listed in the job posting and are limited to a maximum of 2 pages each.
The Department of Corrections has created extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume and letter of qualifications.
Your "Service Documentation" (Document #3) is not counted as part of the page limitation. Your Service Documentation should be uploaded as a "License/Certification" type, when you are prompted to upload documents.
Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Questions can be directed to Katie Benson at kathryn.benson@wisconsin.gov .
Deadline to Apply
Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on September 8, 2026.
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