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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

$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 ...

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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 Jul 26, 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.

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.

What does a chaplain do in a jail?

A jail chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and religious services to inmates and staff. They offer emotional assistance, facilitate religious programs, and help inmates cope with their circumstances while maintaining confidentiality and respecting diverse faiths.

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, healthcare, or corporate settings, where salaries can exceed $70,000 annually. Military chaplains, especially in senior or specialized roles, tend to earn the highest wages due to additional benefits and security clearances.

How much does a chaplain earn?

The average salary for a jail chaplain in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the facility. Salaries can vary based on the level of education, certifications, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.

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 or counseling experience. Certification or ordination by a recognized religious organization is often required, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for working with inmates and staff.
More about Jail Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Jail Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Jail Chaplain job openings:
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
Infographic showing various Jail Chaplain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Jail Chaplain

Fairfield County, OH

Lancaster, OH • On-site

$15.63/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 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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