Position Description

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Vision Statement

We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

Core Values:

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory has four core values:

• Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
• Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
• Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

Position Purpose Summary:

Provide spiritual & religious care, emotional & pastoral support, relevant programming, information and practical assistance to those impacted by the correctional and justice system and/or inmates and institutional personnel. Maintain a prominent and positive profile for the broad ministry of The Salvation Army and its Correctional & Justice Services.

Accountabilities:

Pastoral Care & Programming:

• Conduct discussion groups, pastoral counseling sessions in court as directed. If serving in a correctional institution work in conjunction with coordinating chaplain.
• Visit people in custody daily to interview and follow up with appropriate requests in accordance to policy.
• Visit all court and institutional departments regularly and frequently as required to promote positive relationships and CJS programs with all personnel.
• If serving in a correctional institution work in conjunction with coordinating chaplain, develop, provide and maintain regular programming (e.g. Positive Lifestyle, Celebrate Recovery, Alpha).
• Lead chapel services, Bible studies (eg. Gospel Echoes, New Life Prison Ministry etc) and Bible correspondence courses as directed.
• Court Responsibilities and Activities (and in Institutions as assigned)
• Provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care, moral and emotional support, and life-change programming (eg. Positive Lifestyle, Celebrate Recovery, Vulnerable Persons Property Program) to accused persons, their families, victims, witnesses, and court personnel, and as directed in institutions if relevant and as per institutional contract expectations.
• Maintain and secure Spiritual Care Logs, confidential records on referrals, contacts and direct service needs of clients served (eg. Positive Lifestyle).
• Represent The Salvation Army chaplaincy to court personnel and attend court meetings (eg. Operations Meeting, HSJCC etc.) and maintain a highly visible and positive public profile in court.
• Work cooperatively with other court agencies and court staff.
• Be informed about and provide general information on the work of The Salvation Army.

Chaplain’s Organizational Responsibilities to The Salvation Army:

• Work to reflect and achieve The Salvation Army mission and represent The Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services in chaplaincy matters at work location.
• Support the other ministries of Correctional & Justice Services.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain appropriate chaplaincy records and statistics (eg. spiritual care logs, statistics etc.)
• Attend The Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services staff meetings and other meetings, workshops, training and conferences, as requested, and provide a written report for areas of responsibility.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils:

Participate in Action Planning Chaplaincy as directed.

• Internal: Leadership, Employees, Volunteers, Students
• External: Clients, community partners and agencies

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Director of Chaplaincy
• Direct reports for this position: Volunteers where active

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works mostly in courthouses and may also work in an institutional setting.
• Position requires a frequent amount of walking, climbing stairs, pastoral care, and public speaking. May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Includes visits to institutions and satellite locations in the greater Toronto area, and must be mobile when required.
• The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Chaplaincy training, Theological training is an asset
• Spiritual care experience and training with a recognized chaplaincy or spiritual care education body (eg. The Salvation Army Certificate of Chaplaincy, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent)
• Obtain Vulnerable Sector Search and institutional security clearance (if required by institution)
• Uniformed Salvationist, ordination by a recognized Christian denomination/agency and certification by the Ontario Multi-Faith Council on Spiritual and Religious Care are assets
• Critical Incident Stress Management training an asset
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of prior related experience in spiritual care may be required.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Skills and Capabilities (examples provided below):

• Demonstrated commitment to work within The Salvation Army mission and values and demonstrated ability to apply them in all aspects of chaplaincy ministry.
• Knowledge of and experience in Christian-based interviewing and counseling skills.
• Knowledge of religious beliefs and practices of other faith groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work with persons who are in crisis.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, internet and good computer skills to complete reports, access email and prepare letters, etc.