Native American Spiritual Leader/Chaplain- Sheriff's Office (0825)

AZ State School for the Deaf and Blind

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

$42.11K - $48.42K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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Job description

Salary: $42,110.00 - $48,415.00 Annually
Location : Flagstaff, AZ
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 0804508
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 08/15/2025
Nature of Work
Under general supervision provides spiritual and moral guidance to inmates, facility staff and families within the detention facility; to conduct and/or facilitate Native American spiritual ceremonies, oral traditions, cultural studies and performs related work as assigned.
Typical Duties
(Illustrative Only)
  • Provides spiritual, ethical and moral guidance through cultural perspective, spiritual services, instruction, and literature
  • Conducts and Facilitates in Native American spiritual ceremonies including but not limited to smudging, tobacco, and Sweat Lodge ceremonies that provide opportunities for self-improvement, and the observance of rituals
  • Ensures that inmates are provided access to religious activities, materials, diets, and other legitimate tenets of their faith
  • Assists in crisis prevention for inmates including depression, suicide attempts, discipline problems and next of kin notifications
  • Organize and instructs activities in Native American expression, oral tradition, ethics, cultural heritage, and sacred music.
  • Cooperates with other staff in carrying out the facility treatment programs; coordinates programs conducted by outside religious facilitators and groups; explains and interprets the facility's Native American Spiritual program to groups and personnel.
  • May serve on boards, committees and/or institutional treatment teams
  • Provide peer counseling with critical stress incident management (CISM) events.
  • Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Currently recognized as a spiritual leader and in good standing with his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Community. Must provide a letter of certification of good standing and experience.
One (1) year of Native American Spiritual Leader experience in a setting recognized by his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Community.
Must show that he/she embodies fundamental Native American cultural/spiritual values with ability to effectively teach these values and instill them in others.
Ability to work in the cross-cultural institutional setting; insight into the factors involved in the development of behavior problems; demonstrate aptitude for working effectively with an interest in the welfare and spiritual needs of facility residents; emotional stability; adaptability; firmness; patience; self-control; tact; good communication skills; neat personal appearance; good judgment in moral, ethical, and spiritual matters.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Working knowledge of:
- Religious, psychological, mental and social needs of adult offenders and staff
- Native American ceremonies and/or cultural events; exercise of rituals
- Purposes of correctional institutions and their respective methods of rehabilitation for adult inmates
- Pastoral counseling principles and techniques
- Understanding of other religious denominations
- Social services available within the County
• Skill in:
- Coordination of spiritual programs with other clergy and staff
- Preparing and conducting spiritual services and courses or studies
• Ability to:
- Establish, build and maintain interpersonal relations with inmates, family members and representative, community social health and welfare personnel, law enforcement and court representatives, employees, other agencies and the public
- Establish rapport with people of varied denominational and socio-economic backgrounds and maintain non-judgmental behavior
- Deal effectively with groups or individuals under stressful conditions
- Prepare and maintain accurate documentation and records
- Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
- Follow written and verbal instructions
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Employee Benefits
Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits
package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:
(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)
  • Vacation/Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 10 Holidays Per Year
  • Health Care Insurance
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
  • Sick Leave Conversion Plan
  • Personal Day Purchase Program
  • Vacation Sell Back Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Arizona State Retirement System
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • On-going Training Opportunities
  • Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass
Elective Coverage
  • Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Tax-deferred investment program
  • Accidental and Disability Insurance
  • Short Term Disability


Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Chaplain?

A: To succeed as a Chaplain, key technical skills include proficiency in spiritual counseling, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of various faith traditions and their practices. Essential soft skills include empathy, active listening, and strong communication skills, which enable Chaplains to build trust and provide emotional support to individuals in need. By combining these technical and interpersonal skills, Chaplains can effectively provide spiritual care and guidance, ultimately supporting the well-being and resilience of those they serve.

Q: What is the career path for a Chaplain?

A: A Chaplain's career path typically begins with entry-level roles such as Hospital Chaplain or Military Chaplain, where they provide spiritual support and guidance to individuals in need. As they gain experience, Chaplains can progress to mid-level roles like Senior Chaplain or Director of Spiritual Care, overseeing teams and developing programs to promote spiritual well-being. Senior Chaplains or those with advanced degrees may move into senior roles like Chief Chaplain or Executive Director of a faith-based organization, where they lead strategic planning and community outreach initiatives.