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Jail Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fairfield County, OH

Jail Chaplain

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$15.63/hr

SHERIFF CIVIL Opening Date: 12/08/2025 Description The Jail Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and religious support to inmates and staff in the Fairfield County Jail in compliance with Ohio ...

West Virginia

Chaplain

Charleston, WV · On-site

$31K - $53K/yr

We are looking for a compassionate leader to join our team as a Chaplain, where you will play a ... Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western ...

City of New York

Chaplain Part-Time

East Elmhurst, NY · On-site

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities ... The Chaplain will under direction conduct religious mandated and non-mandated services, provide ...

City of New York

Chaplain Part-Time

East Elmhurst, NY · On-site

$30/hr

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities ... The Chaplain will under direction conduct religious mandated and non-mandated services, provide ...

Marketplace Chaplains

OR · On-site

May make jail visits to employees and immediate family members. Works with companies to serve ... chaplain led event. Provides, as appropriate/requested, literature and other resources to assist ...

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Jail Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do jail chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for jail chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a chaplain without being ordained?

Jail chaplains are typically required to be ordained or credentialed within their religious tradition, as this demonstrates their authority to provide spiritual guidance. However, some facilities may accept non-ordained individuals with relevant experience, training, or certification in pastoral care or counseling. Requirements vary by institution and jurisdiction, so it is important to check specific employment criteria for each facility.

How much does a chaplain make?

In North Carolina, jail chaplains typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the facility. Salaries may also vary based on certifications, part-time or full-time status, and the specific jurisdiction or institution.

What is the difference between Jail Chaplain vs Prison Counselor?

AspectJail ChaplainPrison Counselor
CredentialsReligious degrees, certifications in spiritual counselingPsychology, social work, counseling licenses
Work EnvironmentReligious services, spiritual support in jailsMental health support, rehabilitation programs in prisons
Employer & IndustryJail facilities, religious organizationsPrison systems, correctional facilities
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Jail Chaplains primarily provide spiritual guidance and religious services within correctional facilities, focusing on faith-based support. Prison Counselors, on the other hand, offer mental health counseling and rehabilitation services, often with a background in psychology or social work. While both roles serve incarcerated individuals, their credentials, focus, and work environment differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Jail Chaplain, you need a background in theology or religious studies, relevant ministry credentials, and a solid understanding of correctional facility protocols. Familiarity with facility management systems and completion of security clearance or chaplaincy certification programs are typically required. Exceptional listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help build trust and provide meaningful support to incarcerated individuals. These skills are essential for effectively addressing spiritual needs and promoting rehabilitation within secure and challenging environments.

How does a Jail Chaplain typically collaborate with other staff and volunteers within a correctional facility?

A Jail Chaplain works closely with correctional officers, mental health professionals, and volunteer groups to support the spiritual and emotional needs of inmates. Regular coordination with facility staff is essential to ensure safety, schedule programs, and address specific inmate concerns. Chaplains also often train and supervise volunteers who assist with religious services or counseling. Effective communication and teamwork are important, as chaplains must balance security protocols with providing compassionate care.

What are jail chaplains?

Jail chaplains are spiritual leaders who provide religious support, counseling, and guidance to inmates, correctional staff, and sometimes inmates’ families within a jail setting. They facilitate religious services, offer individual counseling, and help address spiritual or moral concerns. Jail chaplains also play a key role in supporting rehabilitation, fostering hope, and helping inmates cope with incarceration. They often work with people of various faith backgrounds and coordinate with community religious organizations.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain positions are often in military, hospital, or corporate settings, with military chaplains typically earning the most due to rank and benefits. Senior or specialized chaplains with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.

What qualifications does a chaplain need?

A jail chaplain typically needs a bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field, along with relevant pastoral experience. Certification or ordination by a recognized religious organization is often required, and strong interpersonal and counseling skills are essential for working with inmates and staff.
More about Jail Chaplain jobs
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What states have the most Jail Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Chaplain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Jail Chaplain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Jail Chaplain jobs are:
Jail Chaplain jobs near you

Jail Chaplain

Fairfield County, OH

Lancaster, OH • On-site

$15.63/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $15.63 Hourly
Location : 345 Lincoln Ave, Lancaster 43130, OH
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 318
Department: SHERIFF CIVIL
Opening Date: 12/08/2025
Description
The Jail Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and religious support to inmates and staff in the Fairfield County Jail in compliance with Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 5120:1-8, the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office Policies and Jail Standard Operating Procedures Manual. The Chaplain functions as a religious professional, offering religious services, counseling, guidance, and coordinating religious programming, without being required to take on non-religious roles outside this spiritual mission.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Jail Chaplain is a part-time position working inside the correctional facility;
  • Reports to the Jail Administrator (or designee).
  • Subject to safety and security rules of the facility (e.g., searches, movement restrictions).
  • May need to be available for emergency or crisis pastoral support, possibly outside regular hours.

Duties
Jail Chaplain Duties include, but are not limited to;
  • Function as a religious professional, offering religious services, counseling, guidance, and coordinating religious programming.
  • May need to go to housing units, segregation cells, etc.
  • Is required to submit regular reports to the Jail Administrator (or designee) on chaplaincy activities.
  • Follow facility policies and OAC regulations in all religious programming.
  • Participate in facility training and in service, especially on issues connecting spiritual care with mental health, suicide prevention, cultural diversity, etc.

Qualifications
Qualified Applicants must;
  • Provide proof of Ordination, commissioning, or endorsement by a recognized religious institution or faith group.
  • Provide documentation outlining experience in pastoral care, counseling, or similar ministry, preferably in a correctional or institutional setting.
  • Have good interpersonal skills, demonstrate ongoing cultural sensitivity, and an ability to work with a diverse inmate population.
  • Must pass background clearance as required under Sheriff's Office Policy.
  • Adhere to facility policies, including annual training requirements (e.g. in institutional chaplain policy and facility safety) is required .

01
Do you meet the minimum education, ordination, or certification requirements for this position (as outlined in the job posting)?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you willing to follow all institutional security protocols and maintain professional boundaries with inmates, staff, and visitors?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you willing to adhere to policies regarding confidentiality, professional conduct, and the appropriate use of inmate information?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Ohio regulations require that all inmates have access to religious opportunities regardless of faith tradition. This position requires providing support to individuals from a wide variety of faith traditions or with no religious affiliation. Are you willing to meet the spiritual needs of a diverse population comprising persons from varying faiths, socio-economic, and education backgrounds?
  • Yes
  • Fail

05
Do you have prior experience providing spiritual care or counseling in institutional settings (such as hospitals, correctional facilities, or community organizations).
  • Yes
  • No

06
This position may require evening, weekend, or on-call availability. Are you able to meet these scheduling requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Would you be able to provide spiritual care during emergencies, crises, or end-of-life situations for inmates?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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