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

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.