To be considered for the position, you must meet the following basic qualification requirements:
Education:
(1) Bachelor’s Degree: An applicant must possess an earned baccalaureate degree with no less than 120 semester hours from a qualifying educational institution.
AND
(2) Graduate Theological Degree: An applicant must also possess the degree of Master of Divinity or equivalent theological educational qualifications. Equivalent educational qualifications means a conferred degree comprised of no less than 72 semester hours of graduate coursework including:
- 20 semester hours in pastoral ministry.
- 20 semester hours in any combination of theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion.
- 20 semester hours in the study of sacred writings, including the study of languages in which sacred writings are/were written.
- 12 semester hours in religious history and/or world religions.
OR
Experience:
(3) Professional Ministry Experience In lieu of Graduate Theological Degree: 6,240 hours of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience as described below and in addition to the experience requirements below.
AND
(4) Formal Supervised Ministry Training. If the Master’s degree program does not indicate formal supervised ministry experience, applicants must have documentation of completing formal training in supervised ministry (e.g. Clinical Pastoral Education [CPE], field theological education program, or professional ministry internship, etc.).
AND
Professional Ministry Experience (Experience):
GS-09: Applicants are not required to have additional specific amount of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience provided they meet all other qualification requirements for the position.
GS-11: Applicants must have at least 2,080 hours of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience. This is equivalent to one year of full-time formal religious leadership experience compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s religious organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. This experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization.
GS-12: Applicants must have at least 4,160 hours of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience. This is equivalent to two years of full-time formal religious leadership experience compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant’s religious organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. This experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization.
Four units of CPE may satisfy up to 2,080 hours of experience requirements above.
AND
Ecclesiastical Endorsement:
An Ecclesiastical Endorsement attests to: the applicant's suitability for correctional ministry, support for his or her candidacy, a clear assurance statement that the applicant has no present or past legal or moral barrier to congregational ministry, and an affirmation that the applicant will facilitate inmates of all faiths opportunities to pursue individual religious beliefs and practices. The applicant's relationship to the endorsing body must reflect a minimum two-year association before endorsement.
In order to receive full consideration for this vacancy, you are required to complete and submit the Bureau of Prisons' Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form (BP-A0679). A copy of this form can be obtained by accessing www.bop.gov or Clicking Here and then click on "Find a Form".
AND
Religious Credentials:
Applicants will be ordained clergy or members of ecclesiastically recognized religious institutes of vowed men or women. In lieu of professional ordination credentials, adequate documentation of the applicant’s recognized religious and ministerial roles in their respective faith communities is required.
Basic requirements qualify applicants for the GL-09 grade level.
AND
Selective Placement Factor:
Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.
BUDDHIST:
GS-09: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community.
GS-11: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Buddhist faith.
GS-12: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Buddhist faith.
CATHOLIC:
GS-09: Applicant must be of a Catholic community.
GS-11: Applicant must be of a Catholic community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Catholic faith.
GS-12: Applicant must be of a Catholic community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Catholic faith.
JEWISH:
GS-09: Applicant must be of a Jewish community.
GS-11: Applicant must be of a Jewish community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Jewish faith.
GS-12: Applicant must be of a Jewish community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Jewish faith.
ISLAMIC:
GS-09: Applicant must be of an Islamic community.
GS-11: Applicant must be of an Islamic community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Islamic faith.
GS-12: Applicant must be of an Islamic community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Islamic faith.
NOTE: All applicants MUST clearly address the Selective Factor in their resume and, if applicable, upload any required documentation (i.e., licensure, certification, or transcripts) at the time you apply.
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MUST BE UPLOADED AT THE TIME YOU APPLY
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.