Religious Coordinator

Religious Coordinator

Salary

$6,132.00 - $8,253.00 Monthly

Location

Mason County - Shelton, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-08924

Department

Dept. of Corrections

Division

Prisons - WCC

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Religious Coordinator - Chaplain

Department of Corrections - Prisons

Washington Corrections Center - Shelton, WA

Full Time - Permanent (In-person)

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking highly motivated and talented individual for the position of Religious Coordinator as Washington Corrections Center (WCC).

Washington Corrections Center is located 35 miles northwest of Olympia, the state capital. WCC is predominantly a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a close, medium-and long-term minimum custody facility. The facility has a primary responsibility to process, test, and classify all adult male incarcerated individuals sentenced to prison in Washington State.

The facility has seven living units, compromised of 5 close custody reception units, and 3 medium and long-term minimum units. WCC houses approximately 1,800 incarcerated individuals. There are approximately 500 incarcerated individuals screened and processed each month. WCC also serves as a major transportation hub responsible for the transfer of incarcerated individuals to and from facilities throughout the state.

The Religious Coordinator (Chaplain) manages the religious services program at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC), providing direct oversight of all religious programs, services, and contracted staff to ensure equal representation and support for all denominations and beliefs. Operating as part of the institutional case management team, the Chaplain conducts religious services, provides moral instruction to Incarcerated Individuals (I/Is) within their respective faith groups, and addresses the spiritual requirements of the entire incarcerated community. Beyond spiritual guidance, this position interviews and counsels I/Is regarding social and family problems, extending direct assistance to their families.

Administratively, the Chaplain assists with policy development, implements DOC policies, and defines operational memorandum (OM) practices for the institutions spiritual programs. Key operational duties include recruiting and evaluating all religious volunteers, as well as coordinating staff training on diverse faith beliefs, practices, and religious property issues. Additionally, the Chaplain manages the disbursement of religious property and ensures strict institutional compliance with Federal and State statutes, DOC Policy 560.200 (Religious Programs), DOC Policy 590.200 (Marriage/Domestic Partnership), and DOC Policy 560.100 (Privileged Communication).

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing the following:

• Cover Letter: Detail how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of this role.
• Resume: Provide a detailed, chronological breakdown of your professional history.
• Professional References: Include contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

Note: A professional reference should be someone who has supervised your work and can attest to your performance and skills. If you have limited supervisory references, you may include non-related professional associates, such as educators or colleagues.

Duties

Essential functions and significant responsibilities of this position include:

Direct and manage all religious services for the institution

• Maintain knowledge of the Federal/State laws and departmental policies governing the delivery of religious programs for the incarcerated individuals.
• Perform, provide and/or direct the performance/delivery of religious services.
• Schedule, supervise, prepare and conduct religious services; administers sacraments and other rites; conducts special services on religious holidays and/or special occasions.
• Attend job related training as required.
• Provides counsel to incarcerated individuals of all religious faiths.
• Ensures individual and group compliance with DOC Religious Property matrix and policy; process religious property working collaboratively with custody staff.
• Assist with the development and management of a religious program budget for the institution.
• Implements policies and procedures relating to religious programs.

Manage and coordinate contractors and/or volunteers with religious programs

• Recruit, train and supervise religious volunteers that are qualified to provide religious services. Periodically audit performance, maintain volunteer files and be able to provide evaluations.
• Provide quarterly reports documenting religious volunteer involvement and incarcerated individual attendance at religious services/programs.
• Work with CPPC in administering programs, develop and implement volunteer recruitment programs to involve community volunteers.
• Establish connection with religious leaders of various churches, mosques, temples and other areas of worship; attend Religious Advisory Council (RAC) meetings as scheduled.

Manage the planning and organization of faith-based activities

• Perform incarcerated individual counseling that assists with spiritual direction, grief, marriage, relationships, preparation for marriage, goal setting and other counseling as needed.
• Coordinate incarcerated individual marriages. Maintain non-denominational standing.
• Complete religious events packets as required by supervisor expectations.
• Supervise, evaluate and direct the work of incarcerated individuals employed to work in the religious programs areas. Submit payroll for all assigned positions in a timely manner.
• Perform memorial services as necessary.

Manage religious property and diets

• Respond to and coordinate with the grievance specialist on matters of religious dispute about diets, property and programs/services that are religious in nature.
• Maintain visibility and availability with the incarcerated individuals by visiting all areas of the prison to include common areas and living units.
• Present a weekly new arrival orientation regarding job-related services available to incarcerated population.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Three years of experience as a recognized faith leader, priest or religious leader such as Rabbi, Imam, Bishop or Shaman of a nationally recognized faith.
• Ability to minister to and understand the religious needs of incarcerated individuals of all religious/spiritual beliefs.
• Ability to work independently using good judgement.
• Ability to work with individuals who have diverse beliefs and backgrounds, reserving personal opinions and beliefs.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A graduate degree in Theology, Sacred Studies, Ministry, Religious Studies, Comparative Religions, Philosophy of Religion or equivalent from an accredited graduate school or university.
• Three years of post-graduate experience as a recognized faith leader, priest, minister, religious leader, rabbi, imam, bishop, shaman or equivalent.
• Be in good standing with and currently recognized and endorsed for correctional faith, religious or spiritual work with a recognized religious body.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing the following:

• Cover Letter: Detail how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of this role.
• Resume: Provide a detailed, chronological breakdown of your professional history.
• Professional References: Include contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

Note: A professional reference should be someone who has supervised your work and can attest to your performance and skills. If you have limited supervisory references, you may include non-related professional associates, such as educators or colleagues.

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• Peoples safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting peoples success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

OR

PSERS: Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hillary.evans@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 360-427-4617. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents [suggested link to I-9 documents]

• Yes
• No

02

If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

03

Which answer below best describes your years of experience as a recognized faith leader, priest, or religious leader such as Rabbi, Iman, Bishop, Shaman of a nationally recognized faith?

• I have no experience.
• I have 1 year of experience.
• I have 2 years of experience.
• I have 3 or more years of experience.

04

Provide a brief description of where and how you gained this experience. If you do not have this experience, you may type N/A in the space below.

05

Do you have a graduate degree from seminary, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and current certification by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education or National Association of Catholic Chaplains?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you willing to perform work duties unarmed, in close contact with and among large groups of confined male incarcerated individuals who may have a history of violent behavior and mental illness, and who may be aggressive and/or confrontational toward other incarcerated/staff?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov