Bernalillo County

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

METRO DETENTION CENTER

• Plan, direct, and supervise all aspects of religious programs and volunteer groups at MDC, including approving all inmate religious/spiritual programs.
• Recruit and train volunteers on a nondiscriminatory basis, including lay or clergy volunteers from the community.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with religious and spiritual leaders in the community.
• Communicate with community religious and spiritual groups regarding programs, equipment, and materials used in related services.
• Ensure each inmate has a reasonable opportunity to practice their religious or spiritual beliefs on a neutral, nondiscriminatory basis. Provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices.
• Provide training by qualified professionals to personnel involved in religious programming or accommodation decisions.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints related to religious issues. Prepare statistical reports and respond to written requests.
• Participate in professional meetings and stay current on laws, trends, and innovations in religious practice within corrections.
• Prepare and distribute training and informational materials for inmates. Conduct training as needed.
• Research, evaluate, and develop religious programs. Recommend improvements to enhance programs.
• Supervise and direct assigned personnel.
• Identify areas for improvement, develop implementation plans, coordinate actions, and monitor and report outcomes.
• Ensure full compliance with MDC religious services policy and applicable federal and case law, including the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

• Assist in notifying families of Sheriff's Office members who are seriously injured or deceased.
• Respond to requests for support from Sheriff's Office personnel and their families.
• Attend and participate in funerals for active or retired Sheriff's Office members.
• Respond to incidents such as natural deaths, accidents, suicides, family disturbances, and others where support is requested or appropriate.
• Provide counseling to deputies and personnel upon request.
• Maintain professional relationships with religious and spiritual leaders in the community.
• Communicate with religious and spiritual groups regarding related programs and materials.
• Research, evaluate, and develop religious programs. Recommend and implement improvements.
• Assist with death notifications and similar support as requested.
• Meet ongoing training requirements.
• Participate in ride-alongs to understand the stressors faced by personnel.
• Maintain a presence that promotes ethical conduct among employees.
• Foster public confidence and support by attending civic events and remaining available during periods of public concern.
• Serve as a crisis intervention and counseling resource for the community when requested by the Sheriff's Office.

FIRE AND RESCUE

• Assist in notifying families of Fire & Rescue members who are seriously injured or deceased.
• Respond to support requests from Fire & Rescue personnel and their families.
• Attend and participate in funerals for active or retired Fire & Rescue members.
• Respond to incidents such as natural deaths, accidents, suicides, family disturbances, and others as needed.
• Provide counseling to Fire & Rescue personnel and others upon request.
• Maintain professional relationships with religious and spiritual leaders in the community.
• Communicate with religious and spiritual groups regarding related programs and materials.
• Research, evaluate, and develop religious programs. Recommend and implement improvements.
• Assist with death notifications and other notifications as requested.
• Meet ongoing training requirements.
• Participate in ride-alongs to understand the stressors faced by Fire & Rescue personnel.
• Promote ethical conduct among employees through a supportive presence.
• Build public trust by attending civic events and being available during times of heightened public interest.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling to community members when requested by Fire & Rescue.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Humanities, Counseling, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of work experience as a chaplain, clergy, or a related role.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

METRO DETENTION CENTER

• Valid and current American Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA) certification highly desirable.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

• Requires an ecclesiastical endorsement on letterhead, currently dated and signed by a denominational or congregational official, attesting that the applicant is in good standing with their denomination, actively engaged in ministry, and endorsed to serve as a law enforcement chaplain. (Sheriff’s Office and Fire & Rescue only)
• This position is designated as safety-sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding alcohol and drug use.
• Employee must successfully complete the post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
• Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
• Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of employment and maintain the license while employed in this position.
• Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
• Employee must obtain certification from the American Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA) within one (1) year from the date of hire. (MDC)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Performs essential job duties in various environments as needed.
• Works primarily on an even, dry, carpeted, or tiled floor.
• Works alone, with or without direction; occasionally works in groups or on a team.
• May be required to be on call.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine
• Handles materials such as logs, spreadsheets, graphs, pie charts, writing utensils, safety manuals, rules and regulations, and various office forms.