Prison Chaplain

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Christian organization recognized as one of Australia's largest charities. Dedicated to making a meaningful difference in people's lives, the organization provides support during personal crises and times of national grief, offering safety, community, and new opportunities.

Position Overview

The Salvation Army is inviting applications for the role of Prison Chaplain at Kempsey Correctional Centre. This full-time, permanent position entails delivering compassionate spiritual and pastoral care to inmates and staff, based on Wesleyan theology. The Chaplain will function within a multifaith chaplaincy team and collaborate with correctional workers to foster hope, dignity, and holistic support for individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Key Duties

• Provide person-focused spiritual and pastoral guidance grounded in Wesleyan beliefs.
• Facilitate worship services, bible study groups, religious ceremonies, and ensure access to faith resources.
• Work in partnership with local corps, mission groups, and diverse faith communities to promote spiritual development.
• Offer timely, trauma-informed pastoral support during and after critical events.
• Manage organizational and correctional protocols to deliver consistent, compliant pastoral care.
• Educate staff and management about Salvation Army theology, values, and the relevance of sacred spaces.
• Collaborate with Area Leadership Teams and correctional stakeholders to align chaplaincy efforts with wider mission objectives.
• Attend meetings to incorporate spiritual care into service planning and client support.
• Complete all necessary administrative duties, including workplace health and safety, risk management, and operational reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong alignment with the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Previous experience in chaplaincy or comparable pastoral/spiritual care roles.
• Holds a Diploma of Chaplaincy.
• Completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training.
• Possesses relevant theological education.
• Positive Lifestyle Program (PLP) Facilitator certification or willingness to obtain.
• Meets all Corrective Services NSW onboarding criteria.
• Current Working With Children/Vulnerable Persons Check.
• Driver’s license, if vehicle use is required.

Additional Information

Salary corresponds with Hay Level 12 standards. The Salvation Army promotes inclusiveness and diversity, encouraging applications from all cultural and social backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The organization is committed to child safety and requires all applicants to pass necessary criminal background checks. This opportunity allows one to make a profound spiritual and compassionate impact within the correctional community.