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.

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