1. ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains
Association Standards
– Founded 1885
2. APC – Association of Professional Chaplains
Standards ~
Two Levels of Competence
APC Board Certified Chaplain
a. Definition
“Board Certified” ~ b. General Standards ~
c. Competency Standards (1) Personal
~ (2) Pastoral ~
(3) Professional ~ (4) Continuing Education
APC Associate Chaplain
a. Def. of Assoc.
Chaplain ~ b. General Standards ~
c. Competency Standards
3. FBOP – Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA – Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other Professional
Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
With respect to "Corrections" the
premier association is the American Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA)
that is an official affiliate with the American Correctional Association (ACA),
and it is most noteworthy that ACCA was established in 1885 and was the first
affiliate with ACA. Those in the corrections
profession are well aware of ACA, especially in Texas as TDCJ is aggressively
seeking to get all of TDCJ's institutions accredited.
However, TDCJ Programs and Services Division has
been taking Chaplaincy backwards for about 10 years now, lowering the job
description for the Director of Chaplains in 1993 and lowering again in
1996. This was done in spite of the
fact that several applicants met the pre-1993 qualifications. This movement backwards discriminated
against those with tenure, dedication, education and experience. The recent TDCJ Director of Chaplains retired
in September 2002 and would not meet the requirements for basic certification
in ACCA or APC. This is not progress.
Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR)
services in September of 2001 deleted the standards from their own job
descriptions, strangely enough, just after the state chaplains had
successfully lobbied for the first single pay group raise in TDCJ Chaplaincy
History. Very strange, indeed: why lower standard at this time? Did they lower their standards to match the
low standard of TDCJ’s own Chaplaincy Job Descriptions? MHMR Chaplains are almost all at a Chaplain
III level, 17 of about 21 in 2001 with no supervisory Chaplain, whereas there
has only been one Chaplain III in TDCJ for ever, supervising 150 Chaplain I and
II’s. Compared with the National
Market, this is far out of proportion with Equity. Even UTMB’s – a Texas Chaplain – Director of
Chaplains is far above TDCJ’s, roughly $25,000 dollars more, supervising 2
Chaplains.
What is the agenda behind "lowering"
standards for those who deal with the MOST TROUBLED persons in Texas, even in
the world, in those troubled person's most vulnerable times? Such is against any good business
standard existent in the 19th, 20th or 21st
centuries and very much against the agencies published mission statements: especially when TDCJ Chaplains recover their
ENTIRE operating costs.
The following standards are basic.
1.
ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA –
Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
The aim of certification by the ACCA is to
establish and utilize particular standards by which competence in correctional
ministry can be recognized.
Correctional chaplaincy is a unique vocation and calling. Persons incarcerated in our jails and
prisons deserve a professional correctional chaplain who is familiar with and
able to serve effectively in such a multi-cultural and multi-faith
setting. Correctional chaplaincy
includes work in correctional administration and within the framework of the
various institutions. The work includes
pastoral care which creates an atmosphere in which both prisoner and staff feel
the ministry of presence provided by the correctional chaplain. The ACCA encourages all correctional
chaplains to continue to grow within their chosen field by meeting the
qualifications of a Certified Correctional Chaplain.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION:
1. Membership in the ACCA.
2. Ecclesiastical endorsement from religious
endorsing agency of the candidate’s faith or religious judicatory.
3. Education:
Four-year college degree, and Seminary Degree or Degree from Theology
School approved by the ACCU or from a similar institution outside the U.S. with parallel academic standing. (Any equivalent consideration will include a
minimum of 4 hours in theology and 12 semester units in counseling, psychology,
or related field from an above-described institution.)
4. Clinical Pastoral Education (3 Units). Questions on equivalency may be directed to
the Chair of the Certification Committee.
5. Three years full-time pastoral experience,
plus three years full-time experience in a correctional setting a correctional
setting as a salaried chaplain.
6. Adhere to the ACCA
Code of Ethics.
7. Payment of required fees ($10.00 with
application and $50 when face-to-face interview is set with the Certification
Committee.)
8. Official copies and/or formal written
documentation of the above requirements, 1 through 5.
9. Four letters of recommendation: -letter of
evaluation from CPE supervisor, -letter from immediate supervisor, -two persons
of candidate’s choice.
10. Written paper on the role of chaplain in a
correctional setting (350-500) words.
11. Autobiography addressing personal, professional,
and faith development (350-500) words.
12. Meet in person with an interview
committee. This interview will deal
with personal, theological and professional competence. Because of limited space, a description of
related issues in this area will be sent once the Certification process is
begun.
1.
ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA –
Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
The APC organization was formed by the merging of
the College of Chaplains and the Association of Mental Health Clergy. These two organizations had rich histories
with each having over 50 years of service to its members. This merger was completed May 1998 in
Portland, Oregon at the Annual Meeting.
Associate APC Chaplain
(Click to go Below)
a.
Def. of Assoc. Chaplain ~
b. General Standards ~
c. Competency Standards
APC Board Certified
Chaplain TOP
a.
Definition of an APC Board Certified
Chaplain
"A person who has demonstrated professional
excellence as a chaplain, has completed eligibility requirements, is
recommended by a State Certification Committee, approved by the Commission on
Certification, and ratified by the Board of Directors of the Association of
Professional Chaplains, Inc."
b.
General Standards – APC Board Certified
Chaplain
NOTE:
Equivalencies may be accepted for a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate
Theological Education, Clinical Pastoral Education, or Experience as a
Chaplain. It is the obligation of
the candidate to demonstrate each equivalency to the satisfaction of the
Commission on Certification. The final
decision on whether a given candidate needs to file for an equivalency rests
with that Commission.
1. Bachelor's Degree from a college or university
that is accredited through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org).
2. Theological education at the graduate professional
level, which involves a minimum of three (3) years (amounting to 72 credit
hours or 108 quarter hours of credit).
The three year/72 hour requirement must meet the following criteria: It must include a graduate theological
degree considered appropriate for ministry by one's endorsing body. The institution granting the degree must be
accredited through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org). If the candidate's theological education
degree program does not involve at least 72 credit hours, the candidate must
apply for an equivalency and may make up the difference by documenting other
graduate degrees granted, courses, graduate professional continuing education,
or graduate-level educational experiences, any and all of which must be
approved by the APC Commission on Certification through the equivalency
process.
3. Current ordination or
commission to function in a ministry of pastoral care, granted by an
appropriate religious authority according to the standard practice and policy
of that authority.
4. Current endorsement by a recognized religious
faith group for ministry as a chaplain.
5. Clinical Education to function as a competent
pastoral care provider. The required
education is four (4) units (1600 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
as accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), the
United States Catholic Conference/National Association of Catholic Chaplains
(NACC) or the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education
(CAPPE).
6. A minimum of one (1) year's full-time experience
as a chaplain apart from minimum training or residency.
a. The one (1) year experience
requirement is met by candidates when a substantial part of their duties
include ministry commonly performed by chaplains in specialized settings such
as health care.
b. A "One-Year Letter of
Certification" may be granted by the Commission on Certification to
candidates meeting all other eligibility requirements except the one year of
experience. Upon the completion of the
one-year of experience, the candidate must send a letter stating completion of
the requirement and verify that all other information is still current. A letter from the candidate's administrator
must be also submitted, verifying completion of the one-year requirement.
c.
Competency Standards – APC Board
Certified Chaplain
These competencies must be evident to the
satisfaction of the Commission on Certification in any candidate for Board
Certified Chaplain.
(1) Personal
Competence – APC Board Certified Chaplain
Awareness of an ability to
fulfill personal growth
Ability to understand and
articulate relevant aspects of one's history and personality, and the manner in
which these are reflected in one's behavior and relationship
Ability to effectively utilize
one's authority in relationship
(2) Pastoral
Competence – APC Board Certified Chaplain
An awareness of strengths and
limitations in ministry to various types of persons and situations; Familiarity with and integration of various
pastoral functions; Ability to provide
leadership in pastoral care within an institution and community with diverse
faith and cultural traditions; The
ability to integrate the insights of theology and the behavioral sciences into
pastoral care assessments and practice;
The ability to describe one’s model of spiritual assessment, plans of
care, and demonstrable outcomes
(3) Professional
Competence – APC Board Certified Chaplain
Demonstrated ability to
establish and maintain effective professional relationships; Satisfactory understanding of the principles
and procedures of management, including budgeting, personnel supervision,
quality improvement; Conceptualization
and development of a comprehensive job description; Ability to articulate the relationship of the Department of
Pastoral Care to other professionals and departments within one's institution
(may utilize an Organizational Chart in the description); Ability to develop a comprehensive program
of services appropriate to the setting of one's ministry; Ability to discern and involve oneself with
ethical issues relevant to the setting in which one's ministry is practiced,
including familiarity with the APC Guidelines for the Chaplain’s Role in Health
Care Ethics; Ability to conceptualize
and communicate theologically the meaning of the crises experienced by persons
in the setting in which one ministers
(4) Continuing
Education and Peer Review –
APC Board Certified Chaplain
Evidence of awareness of areas
for growth or learning and a plan for meeting such needs; Participation in programs of continuing
education and peer review
a.
Definition of an APC Associate
Chaplain TOP
"A person, ordained or commissioned in a
religious vocation, endorsed by his/her own faith group, recommended by a State
Certification Committee, approved by the Commission on Certification, and
ratified by the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional
Chaplains, Inc."
b.
General Standards – APC
Associate Chaplain
NOTE:
Equivalencies may be accepted for a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate
Theological Education, and/or Clinical Pastoral Education, or Experience as a
Chaplain. It is the obligation of
the applicant to demonstrate each equivalency to the satisfaction of the
Commission on Certification. The final
decision on whether an applicant needs to file for an equivalency rests with
that Commission.
Bachelor's Degree from a college or university
that is accredited through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org). Theological education at the graduate
professional level, for a minimum of two (2) years (involving at least 48
credit hours or 72 quarter hours). The
two year/48 hour requirement must meet the following criteria: It must include a graduate theological
degree considered appropriate for ministry by one's endorsing body. The institution granting the theological
degree must be accredited through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation
(www.chea.org). If the applicant’s theological education
degree program does not involve at least 48 credit hours, the applicant must
apply for an equivalency and may make up the difference by documenting other
graduate degrees granted, courses, graduate professional continuing education,
or graduate-level educational experiences, any and all of which must be
approved by the APC Commission on Certification through the equivalency
process. See Guidelines for
Documenting Equivalencies for Associate Chaplains in the Association of
Professional Chaplains.
Current ordination or commission by a recognized
religious authority, to function in a ministry of pastoral care. Current endorsement by a recognized
religious faith group for ministry as a chaplain
Clinical Education to function as a competent
pastoral care provider. The required
clinical education is one (1) unit (400 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education
(CPE) as accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE),
the United States Catholic Conference/National Association of Catholic
Chaplains (NACC) or the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and
Education (CAPPE). Currently serving as
a Chaplain in a specialized ministry setting
c.
Competency Standards – APC
Associate Chaplain
These competencies must be evident to the
satisfaction of the APC Commission on Certification in any applicant for
Associate Chaplain. An understanding of
the unique ministry of a chaplain, and how the applicant accomplishes this
ministry. Possession of appropriate and
adequate skills in ministry. Ability to
function with members of other professions in meeting human needs. Ability to delineate personal as well as
professional development goals
1. ACCA
- American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA –
Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
Chaplain -
GS-060-12. Chaplains administer, supervise, and perform work
involved in a program of spiritual welfare and religious guidance for inmates
in a correctional setting.
Qualifications: GS-12:
must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from an
accredited college or university and a Master of Divinity degree or the
equivalent (20 graduate hours of theology, 20 graduate hours of sacred
writings, 20 graduate hours of church history or comparative religions, and 20
graduate hours of ministry courses) from an American Theological School (ATS)
accredited residential seminary or school of theology; ordination or membership in an
ecclesiastically recognized religious institute of vowed men or women; at least
2 years of autonomous experience as a religious/spiritual leader in a parish or
specialized ministry setting; current
ecclesiastical endorsement by the recognized endorsing body of the faith
tradition; willingness to provide and coordinate programs for inmates of all
faiths; and the necessary credentials
and the ability to provide worship services in his/her faith tradition.
See Appendix:
FBOP Program Statement: PS
3939.07 – Chaplaincy Services at the end of this document for an extended Policy Statement of Federal
Bureau of Prison Chaplaincy Guidelines.
PS
3939.07 Chaplains’ Employment,
Responsibilities, and Endorsements
“PS” = “Program Statement”: see http://www.bop.gov/progstat/3939_07.html
only
formatting changed below to facilitate reading & maintain consistency
OPI: CPD; NUMBER:
3939.07; DATE: 10/26/2001
SUBJECT: Chaplains’ Employment,
Responsibilities, and Endorsements
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE [8. Not present in site enumeration]
2. SUMMARY OF CHANGES 9. CHAPLAIN TRAINEE POSITIONS
3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 10. ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT
4. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED 11.
REASSIGNMENT AND PROMOTION
5. STANDARDS REFERENCED 12. DUTIES AND WORK SCHEDULES
6. PRETRIAL ... DETAINEE PROCEDURES 13.
MANDATORY TRAINING FOR CHAPLAINS
7. HIRING PROCEDURES 14. BUREAU OF PRISONS FORMS
1.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE. TOP
To establish standards and procedures by which applicants for the Chaplain and
Chaplain Trainee positions are hired.
This Program Statement also: Describes the procedures for maintaining
ecclesiastical endorsement and changing religious affiliation and subsequent
ecclesiastical endorsement. Defines the
process for filling vacancies by reassigning and promoting staff
chaplains. Determines the unique duties
and work schedules of chaplains derived from ministerial functions in a
correctional setting. Describes the
training requirements for chaplains.
Due to the variety of academic requirements
for ordaining religious leaders in the community and the professional nature of
Bureau chaplaincy positions, minimum personal, academic, and experience
standards are required. In addition,
staff chaplains must be endorsed by their own religious traditions before being
employed by the Bureau. Ordinarily,
this endorsement is given by a person, or group of persons, appointed to carry
out this function. Some religious
traditions, however, have no clearly designated national endorsing person or
body. Then, the Chaplaincy
Administrator, in consultation with the Regional Chaplaincy Administrators,
will determine the appropriateness of the chaplaincy candidate's endorsement. In requiring endorsement of its chaplaincy
candidates, the Bureau ensures the professional ecclesiastical integrity of
those called to serve as pastors to staff and inmates. The Bureau seeks to maintain a cooperative
relationship with a wide variety of religious groups in the community. Active support from legitimate religious
bodies, representative of the inmate population’s diverse needs, helps to
ensure the effective ministry of Bureau chaplains.
All chaplain positions in the Bureau of
Prisons are excepted service positions.
Since competitive appointment procedures do not govern excepted status
employees, reassignment and promotion procedures for chaplains are defined.
2. SUMMARY OF CHANGES. Top
Appendix – TOP
This revision includes the following changes and modifications:
The Directives Referenced have been updated
to include Title 5 CFR Part 302, "Employment in the Excepted
Service," which derives its authority from 5 U.S.C. §§ 1302, 3301, 3302 and 8151. The hiring procedures for initial appointments
to chaplaincy are described and include personal, academic, and professional
qualifications and the duties of the Central Office and Regional Chaplaincy
Administrators in the application process.
An alternative to firearms training at Glynco is provided, since
chaplains will no longer participate in firearms training at both Glynco and
institutions. The move from competitive
service to excepted service is a voluntary process which requires staff
acknowledgment and signature. The
process for changing religious affiliation and subsequent ecclesiastical
endorsement is delineated. The
reassignment procedures for current Bureau chaplains (GS-060-12) are
described. The procedures for promotion
to supervisory chaplain (GS-060-13) are described. The required work schedules of staff chaplains are explained
including working two evenings per week as well as on the weekly day of
religious observance. A list of the
required training for chaplains is provided.
New forms for use in employing, training, reassigning, and promoting are
available as BP-Forms.
3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES. Top Appendix
– TOP
The expected results of this program are:
a. The hiring procedures for
chaplains will be centralized and standardized; the reassignment and promotion
procedures for chaplains will be clearly defined and standardized.
b. The endorsement process for
chaplains will ensure professional and ecclesiastical integrity of those called
to serve as pastors to inmates.
c. The Bureau's ministry will be
enhanced and made more effective by support from religious bodies which
represent the diverse religious needs of the inmate population.
d. Ecclesiastical and ministerial
duties and work schedules of chaplains will be delineated.
4. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Top Appendix
– TOP
a. Directive Rescinded: PS 3939.06 Professional Endorsements of BOP
Chaplains (8/25/97)
b. Directives Referenced: PS 3000.02 Human Resource Management Manual
(5/17/99); PS 3906.16 Employee
Development Manual (3/21/97); Title 5
CFR Part 302 Employment in the Excepted Service (This authority is derived from
5 U.S.C. §§ 1302, 3301, 3302, and 8151)
5. STANDARDS REFERENCED. Top Appendix
– TOP
a. American Correctional
Association 3rd Edition Standards for Adult Correctional
Institutions: 3-4454
b. American Correctional
Association 3rd Edition Standards for Adult Local Detention
Facilities: 3-ALDF-5F-01
c. American Correctional
Association Standards for Adult Correctional Boot Camp Programs: 1-ABC-5F-01
6. PRETRIAL, HOLDOVER, AND/OR DETAINEE PROCEDURES.
Procedures in this Program Statement apply to staffing in pretrial, holdover
and/or detainee institutions.
7. HIRING PROCEDURES FOR INITIAL APPOINTMENTS
TO CHAPLAINCY. Top Appendix – TOP
The following requirements and procedures are used for hiring chaplain
applicants:
a. Personal
Qualifications
(1) Age. Ordinarily, an initial
appointment must be made prior to one’s 37th birthday. The Department of Justice has granted an age
requirement exemption for candidates of some faith traditions because there is
a documented shortage of qualified candidates for those faith traditions who
meet the maximum age entry provision of Title 5 U.S.C. § 3307 and Public Law 100-238. For further information pertaining to these
exemptions, contact the Central Office Chaplaincy Services Branch.
(2) Religious Credentials. Applicants will be ordained clergy or
members of ecclesiastically recognized religious institutes of vowed men or
women. In lieu of professional
ordination credentials, adequate documentation of the applicants’ recognized
religious and ministerial roles in their respective faith communities is
required.
(3) Suitability. Applicants must
conform to the suitability guidelines established for areas such as: employment,
financial and criminal history,
intentional false statements or misrepresentation in the application, or
moral turpitude.
(4) Physical Standards.
Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical examination which
includes a urinalysis. Following
initial hire, as a condition of future employment, applicants must further pass
a Physical Abilities Test (PAT). This
is designed to measure the physical requirements necessary to perform essential
functions in a correctional setting, such as the ability to respond to
emergencies.
(5) Firearms Training. Chaplains
are exempt from the requirement and will not participate in firearms training
during the Introductory Correctional Training at Glynco. In lieu of firearms training, applicants
will complete the cross development series on chaplaincy or an equivalent study
course. In addition, chaplains will not
participate in the annual firearms qualification at the institution.
b. Professional
Preparation
(1) Academic Requirements.
Candidates must possess an earned bachelor’s degree and a Master of
Divinity degree, consisting of 90 hours of graduate study from an Association
of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited residential seminary or school of theology,
or have earned the equivalent educational credits described below. The academic institutions must send official
transcripts directly to the Chaplaincy Services Branch, Central Office. Equivalent educational credits
required: An earned bachelor’s degree
from an accredited college with at least 120 semester hours (180 quarter
hours). Successful completion of 90
semester hours or 120 quarter hours of graduate study which included or was
supplemented by: 20 semester hours (27
quarter hours) of pastoral ministry (examples: homiletics, preaching, ministry,
pastoral counseling, supervised ministry).
20 semester hours (27 quarter hours) in any combination of theology,
ethics, and philosophy of religion. 20
semester hours (27 quarter hours) in religious history or world religions (The
applicant will be able to demonstrate an understanding of religious
pluralism). 20 semester hours (27
quarter hours) in the study of sacred writings, including the study of languages
in which sacred religious writings are written.
(2) Experience. At least two
years, or 4,174 hours, of pastoral/spiritual leadership experience in a
congregational or specialized ministry setting within the endorsing body after
formal ministerial preparation.
Clinical Pastoral Education, a valuable training experience for
chaplains, may satisfy up to one year, or 2,087 hours, of the requirement of
pastoral/spiritual experience.
(3) Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
An Ecclesiastical Endorsement attests to: the applicant’s suitability for correctional ministry, support for his or her candidacy, a clear
assurance statement that the applicant has no present nor past legal or moral
barrier to congregational ministry, and an affirmation that the applicant will
facilitate inmates of all faiths opportunities to pursue individual religious
beliefs and practices. The applicant’s
relationship to the endorsing body must reflect a minimum two-year association
before endorsement.
c. Completed
Application
(1) The applicant mails the
completed application to the Central Office Chaplaincy Services Branch. As soon as all requested documentation is
received, the applicant will be notified that the application packet is
complete.
(2) The names of candidates will
be kept on a wait list. When a vacancy
occurs, applications of suitable candidates will be forwarded to the Regional
Chaplaincy Administrator.
d. Interview and Selection
Process. The following procedures apply
to all applicants not presently occupying a Bureau chaplain position. This includes status employees in
competitive positions seeking appointments as chaplains.
(1) The Regional Chaplaincy
Administrator notifies the Chaplaincy Administrator of an institution vacancy
which may be filled with a candidate.
(2) The Chaplaincy Services
Branch forwards the files of eligible candidates to the Regional Office where
the NCIC/credit checks, PAT video, writing sample, pre-employment integrity and
panel interviews ordinarily take place.
A Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions form (SF-85P) is mailed to
each applicant to be interviewed. The
applicants must bring the completed form to the scheduled interview. The selection process and the selecting
official will adhere to all legal requirements regarding priority
considerations and veteran’s preference.
(3) The Regional Human Resource
Office forwards the tentative selectee’s application packet to the institution
for review and recommendation.
(4) The institution’s Human
Resource Office is to complete the law enforcement and reference checks. When the initial results are received, the
application will be forwarded to the Warden for review and employment
recommendation.
(5) Once a tentative selection
is made, the institution’s Human Resource office is to prepare a
"Conditional Offer of Employment Letter" for the Regional Director’s
signature. The employment folder is
forwarded to the Regional Office.
(6) The Regional Director
reviews and signs the "Conditional Offer of Employment" letter and
returns the employment folder to the institution.
(7) The institution’s Human
Resource Office sends the conditional offer of employment letter to the
selected candidate and schedules an appointment for a physical and
urinalysis. Upon satisfactory
completion, a Request for Personnel Action form (SF-52) is prepared for the
Regional Director’s signature. The
employment folder is forwarded to the Regional Office.
(8) The Regional Director signs
the SF-52 and the candidate’s employment folder is returned to the institution.
(9) The institution’s Human Resource Office initiates the background
investigation and establishes a reporting date with the candidate.
(10) When required, the chaplain candidate will secure ministerial
faculties or credentials from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction where the
institution is located before a reporting date is determined. The candidate will forward the documentation
of the ministerial faculties to the institution for placement in the employment
folder.
(11) Non-selected candidates are informed by letter from the institution’s
Human Resource Office. Their employment
folders are returned to the Central Office Chaplaincy Branch. The employment folders of non-selected
candidates expire after one year from last consideration given.
(12) The trial period for newly appointed chaplains is one year.
9. CHAPLAIN TRAINEE POSITIONS Top Appendix – TOP
a. The Bureau of Prisons has
established Chaplain Trainee positions(GS 060-9/11) in correctional
institutions nationwide. The applicants
must meet all of the personal and professional qualifications, except
academic. The applicants must, however,
normally be within 18-24 months of completing the academic requirements for a staff
chaplain position and will receive on-the-job training while completing their
Master of Divinity or equivalent degrees.
b. A standard application packet
will be sent to the applicant upon receiving a written request. In addition, the applicant must complete the
following form: A Chaplain Trainee
Certification and Authorization with Standard Mobility Statement form
(BP-S682).
c. When the Chaplain Trainee is
within 20 hours of completing the degree, the Chaplain Trainee becomes eligible
for promotion to a GS-060-11. Because
this is a new appointment, there is no requirement of one year at the previous
grade level. Upon completing the
academic training satisfactorily, the Chaplain Trainee is eligible for a
subsequent appointment at the GS-060-12 level.
d. If the academic requirements
are not met within the stipulated time frame, the Chaplain Trainee may be
terminated from the program. If the
Chaplain Trainee is a status employee and does not complete the academic
requirements within the stipulated time frame, the employee will be returned to
a position commensurate with the position held before starting the Chaplain
Trainee program. The agency will
consider the employee’s location preference in making the reassignment.
e. The Chaplain Trainee’s failure
to make continuous educational progress will result in removal from the
Chaplain Trainee Program.
10. MAINTAINING ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT. Top Appendix – TOP
Endorsement must be maintained throughout each Chaplain’s tenure.
a. Attendance at
Annual Conference or Spiritual Retreat.
The following procedures, with appropriate documentation, will be
followed:
(1) The Bureau recommends that Chaplains foster their ecclesiastical
relationships and endorsements annually.
The process for facilitating an ecclesiastical relationship is normally
done through attendance at an annual conference or spiritual retreat conducted
by or under the auspices of the endorsing body.
(2) Each staff Chaplain should schedule, as far in advance as possible,
attendance at an annual conference or spiritual retreat not exceeding five
consecutive working days. The
scheduling is to be done in consultation with co-workers/supervisor to ensure
appropriate program coverage.
(3) Chaplains are authorized administrative leave to attend this annual
function, since it is normally required to maintain endorsement for
employment. A travel authorization is
to be submitted for the approving authority’s signature. No appropriated funds will be allocated for
this function.
(4) Sites for administrative leave must be within the United States and
U.S. Territories, unless otherwise
approved by the Chaplaincy Administrator.
b. Changes in
Religious Affiliation and Subsequent Endorsing Agents/Bodies
(1) Ordinarily, Chaplains who are changing religious affiliation must
provide written notification to the Chaplaincy Administrator when the
transition process is initiated. The
Chaplain changing religious affiliation must ensure that both endorsing bodies
are fully aware of this change in relationship.
(2) Because endorsement is a condition of employment, the Chaplaincy
Administrator requires written documentation from the respective ecclesiastical
endorsing bodies acknowledging their awareness of the endorsement
relationship’s transition.
(3) Once the change in religious affiliation is complete, a new
Ecclesiastical Endorsement form must be forwarded to the Central Office
Chaplaincy Branch. The Chaplaincy
Branch, in turn, will forward the new form to the institution where it will
become part of the Chaplain’s Official Personnel File.
c. The Bureau has
affirmed and will maintain a relationship with the endorsing agents (bodies) of
all chaplains.
(1) The chaplains’ endorsing agents are encouraged to correspond and/or
visit with them at the institutions.
(2) The Bureau will assert its right to communicate with endorsing
agents upon matters that impact its chaplains’ integrity and professional standards. The Chaplaincy Administrator, in
consultation with the appropriate Regional Chaplaincy Administrator, will
communicate with the endorsers.
(3) The endorsing agent will notify the Chaplaincy Administrator of loss
or withdrawal of endorsement for any reason.
In addition, the affected Chaplain must notify the Chaplaincy
Administrator immediately upon loss of endorsement.
(4) If a separation from employment between a Chaplain and the Bureau
occurs, the Chaplaincy Administrator is to provide written notification to the
appointed endorser regarding termination of employment.
11. REASSIGNMENT AND PROMOTION PROCEDURES FOR
CURRENT BUREAU CHAPLAINS. Top Appendix – TOP
Chaplains who have completed their trial period are eligible for all announced
chaplaincy vacancies. All legal
requirements during the selection process regarding priority consideration and
veteran’s preference will be followed.
Should there be specific requirements for the advertised position, the
requirements will be delineated in the vacancy announcement. The Bureau’s legitimate business needs are
always a factor in determining assignment.
a. Reassignment
Procedures for Staff and Department Head Chaplains (GS-060-12)
(1) The institution with the vacancy will prepare an SF-52, and forward
it to the Regional Office for the Regional Director’s signature. Once the SF-52 has been signed, the vacancy
is announced nation-wide as a position for staff chaplain (GS-060-12), or
department head chaplain (GS-060-12).
(2) Interested Chaplains are encouraged to apply for the announced
vacancy. A memo will be forwarded to
the Regional Chaplaincy Administrator on or before the closing date through the
applicant’s immediate supervisor.
Applicants may submit supplemental materials which demonstrate their
accomplishments.
(3) The names of all applicants will be presented to the selecting
official who makes the selection after consulting with: Assistant Director, Correctional Programs
Division, the appropriate Regional Chaplaincy Administrator, and the
Warden. Reference checking of all
applicants under consideration will be done in accord with Bureau policy.
(4) The Warden, the selected Chaplain, and the current employing institution
will establish a reporting date for the Chaplain. If faculties are required for the ministry’s function, the
Chaplain must have received them from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction where the
institution is located before a reporting date is established.
b. Promotion
Procedures for Supervisory Chaplain (GS-060-13)
(1) The institution with the vacancy will prepare an SF-52 and forward
it to the Regional Office for the Regional Director’s signature. Once the SF-52 has been signed, the vacancy
is announced nation-wide as a position for Supervisory Chaplain (GS-060-13).
(2) Interested Chaplains are encouraged to apply for the announced
vacancy. The applicant must respond in
writing to a series of questions in order to demonstrate a thorough
understanding of the subject areas addressed.
The questions used will be the same for all applicants. Applicants may include supplemental
materials which demonstrate their accomplishments. This written response will be forwarded to the Regional
Chaplaincy Administrator on or before the closing date through the applicant’s
immediate supervisor.
(3) The names of all applicants will be presented to the selecting
official who makes the selection after consulting with: Assistant Director, Correctional Programs
Division, the appropriate Regional Chaplaincy Administrator, and the
Warden. Reference checking of all
applicants under consideration will be done in accordance with current Bureau
policy.
(4) The Warden, the selected Chaplain, and the current employing
institution will establish a reporting date for the Chaplain. If faculties are required for the ministry’s
function, the Chaplain must have received them from the ecclesiastical
jurisdiction in which the institution is located before a reporting date is
established.
c. Promotion
Procedures for Regional and Central Office Chaplaincy Positions. Applicants for the Regional Chaplain,
Chaplaincy Program Review Examiner (GS-060 series), and Branch Chaplaincy
positions are to follow the same procedures as outlined above with the
designated selecting official signing the SF-52.
12. DUTIES AND WORK SCHEDULES OF STAFF
CHAPLAINS. TOP
At a minimum, Chaplains in institutions are required as a function of
their ministry to:
a. Provide coverage seven days a
week, evenings, and weekends to meet inmate religious needs (five days a week
for one Chaplain institutions). All
chaplains must work two evenings per week.
While some chaplains may prefer evening hours, chaplains will not be
required to work more than three evenings per week.
b. Share pastoral duties,
supervision of inmate groups, and administrative functions equitably.
c. Work on their weekly day of
religious observance and lead the religious service regularly. Chaplains are also required to work on the
seasonal holy days of their faith tradition.
d. When staff members are needed
to cover emergency posts, chaplains will be assigned posts which are consistent
with their pastoral role.
13. MANDATORY TRAINING FOR CHAPLAINS TOP
a. Newly hired chaplains,
including chaplain trainees, must complete:
New Chaplains’ Training (24073) within 12 months of entry into the
position (MSTC funded (8/14/92); and
New Chaplains OJT (11060) within 12 months of entry into position. This program will be supervised by the
Department Head Chaplain or the Regional Chaplain, if the institution has no
Department Head Chaplain. Upon
completion, documentation will be forwarded to the EDM to receive training credit.
b. All chaplains must complete a
three-day training program on Religious Beliefs and Practices of Inmates every
four years. In addition, all chaplains
will participate in a Program Review in accordance with the policy on Program
Review. Newly hired Chaplains are
eligible to participate in the three-day training program after completing the
first year of their trial period.
c. All chaplains must complete
Crisis Response Team (CRT) training within the first five years of employment.
14. BUREAU OF PRISONS FORMS. TOP
The
following BP-Forms will be used in conjunction with this Program Statement:
Chaplaincy
Application Instructions (BP-S677);
Chaplaincy Candidate Supplemental Information (BP-S678);
Ecclesiastical Endorsement for Chaplains (BP-S679);
Chaplaincy Candidate Certification and Authorization (BP-S680);
Vacancy Announcement for Chaplains (GS-060-12) (BP-S681);
Chaplain Trainee Certification and Authorization with
Standard Mobility
Statement (BP-S682);
Chaplaincy Application Notification Checklist (BP-S683);
Vacancy Announcements for Chaplains (GS-060-13) (BP-S688);
Resume containing information in the brochure "Applying for a Federal
Job" or using "Optional Application for Federal Employment"
(OF-612)
Release of Information Forms:
1. Authorization for Release of
Information (SF-85P);
2. Authorization for Release of Medical
Information (SF-85P);
3. Credit Release Authorization
(see the Human Resource
Management Manual)
Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, Director
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE [8. Not present in site enumeration]
2. SUMMARY OF CHANGES 9.
CHAPLAIN TRAINEE POSITIONS
3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 10.
ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT
4. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED 11.
REASSIGNMENT AND PROMOTION
5. STANDARDS REFERENCED 12.
DUTIES AND WORK SCHEDULES
6. PRETRIAL ... DETAINEE PROCEDURES 13.
MANDATORY TRAINING FOR CHAPLAINS
7. HIRING PROCEDURES 14. BUREAU
OF PRISONS FORMS
See
original at: http://www.bop.gov/progstat/3939_07.html
--
1.
ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA –
Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
(1)
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the
United States.
(2)
Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Must
possess ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months, from the
official national endorsing body of his/her faith group or denomination. Ecclesiastical endorsement is the written
official statement of the endorsing body certifying that the applicant is in
good standing with the faith group or denomination and that the individual is,
in the opinion of the endorsing body, qualified to perform the full range of
ministry required in the VA pluralistic setting.
(3)
Education: All applicants must possess
the degree of Master of Divinity or equivalent educational qualifications. Education must be from college(s),
university(ies), or theological institution(s) which are accredited by an
accrediting body recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education.
Equivalent educational qualifications means possession of a bachelor’s
degree of at least 120 semester hours plus completion of not less than 70
semester hours of graduate course work which included all of the following: 20
semester hours in pastoral ministry; 20
semester hours in any combination of theology, ethics and philosophy of
religion; 20 semester hours in the
study of sacred writings, including the study of languages in which sacred
writings are/were written; 10 semester
hours in religious history and/or world religions.
(4) Clinical
Pastoral Education (CPE): In addition
to the education requirements, applicants must have completed at least 2 units
of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) [as defined by the Association for
Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), or the National Association of Catholic
Chaplains (NACC)]. 800 hours of
supervised ministry in a healthcare setting which incorporated both ministry
formation and pastoral care skills development may be substituted for the
required CPE.
(5)
Experience: For GS-11, at least two
years of professional experience, after
completion of the M. Div. or equivalent, which has demonstrated both
practical pastoral knowledge and skill, and ability to minister in a
pluralistic setting. Supervised or
guided pastoral experience completed during graduate professional education may
be credited for up to one of the two years of experience. Completion of a doctoral degree directly
related to pastoral ministry may be substituted for one year of experience.
For GS-12,
in addition to the requirements for GS-11, at least one year of professional
experience, equivalent in complexity and responsibility to the GS-11 level,
which has demonstrated all of the following:
(a) ability to serve as a consultant or expert to a multidisciplinary
treatment team; (b) in-depth knowledge
of related professional fields, particularly in the behavioral sciences; (c) understanding of, and ability to respond
to, the particular concerns and issues pertaining to treatment of
veterans; (d) knowledge of the
structure, regulations, practices, and programs of health care delivery
systems; (e) Ability to interpret and
apply a body of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in professional
practice; (f) ability to develop and
maintain liaisons with a variety of outside organizations.
(6) English
Language Competency: All applicants must be proficient in written and spoken
English.
(7)
Selective Service Registration: By law,
all males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the selective
service system (the draft) or have a valid exemption.
(8)
Specialized Positions: Positions with
specialized clinical assignments, such as mental health or substance abuse,
require additional applicable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
1. ACCA
- American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA –
Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
In order to qualify for the Army Chaplaincy, you
must receive endorsement from an ecclesiastical endorsing agency recognized by
the Armed Forces Chaplains Board. This
endorsement must certify that you are:
A fully qualified member of the clergy of your religious faith group.
Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually, and emotionally to serve
as an Army Chaplain.
A member of the clergy who is sensitive to
religious pluralism and who is willing to support, directly or indirectly, the
free exercise of religion for Soldiers, their families, and other authorized
Army personnel.
[This above is at the above
site. Then you are asked to click a
requirements button, which yields this information on further qualifications.]
To be
eligible for the Army Reserve Chaplaincy, you must be able to meet the
following requirements if you are an ordained member of the clergy. Ask your Recruiter about anything you do not
understand.
AGE
REQUIREMENT
You should have sufficient time to be commissioned prior to your 40th
birthday. The accessioning process
usually requires three to six months.
An age waiver may be granted equal to the number of good prior service
years up to two years for active duty (before age 42) or up to five years for
Army Reserve (before age 45). Because
of the critical shortage of Roman Catholic Chaplains, Roman Catholic Priests
over the age of 40 will be considered for an age waiver on a case-by-case
basis. You should also ask your
Recruiter about an age waiver for yourself, as you may be eligible for an
exception.
EDUCATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS (COLLEGE):
You must have a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours from a
college or university listed in the Directory of Postsecondary Institutions.
SEMINARY or
GRADUATE DIVINITY SCHOOL:
You must have successfully completed three years of resident graduate study in
theology or related subjects, normally validated by the possession of a Master
of Divinity, equivalent degree, or 90 graduate semester hours (that would lead
to an ecclesiastical endorsement) from an approved seminary or graduate
school. The school must be listed in
the Directory of Postsecondary Institutions, the Association of Theological
Schools Bulletin (Part 4), the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges
and Schools Directory, or from a graduate school whose credits are fully
accepted by one of the above listed schools.
Correspondence courses are not acceptable.
ECCLESIASTICAL
ENDORSEMENT FOR THE MILITARY CHAPLAINCY
You must be ordained and endorsed by a church, faith group or denomination that
is recognized by the Department of Defense (DOD) Armed Forces Chaplains Board.
CITIZENSHIP
You must be a U.S. Citizen or
non-U.S. Citizen who possesses an Alien
Registration Card (Green Card).
ARMY
MEDICAL STANDARDS
You must be within the Army height/weight standards and be able to pass the
Army Medical Exam.
1.
ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains Association Standards
2. APC –
Association of Professional Chaplains Standards
3. FBOP –
Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA – Veterans
Administrations Standards
5. US
Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other
Professional Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains
This is a partial list of some of the
organizations that chaplains can become a member of in order to stay up to date
on the many facets of their profession.
There are many, many more that can be added, especially within a
national scope and especially where the availability of professional journals
are concerns. See www.preciousheart.net for a near
complete listing of 3,000+ journals that have a relevancy to some aspect of the
professional chaplain's life. The
following does not include a full listing of denominational faith endorses that
are certified by the US Department of Defense or listing of the many religious
seminary graduate schools that play a crucial role in religious education. Nor is it a complete listing of the relevant
associations in general. This is just
one list with – for the most part – a nearly complete listing of those
professional associations that have a direct relevance for the
"Correctional Chaplain."
AAB -- American Academy of Bereavement -- Tucson,
AZ
ACA -- American Correctional Association --
Laurel, MD
ACCA -- American Correctional Chaplain's
Association -- Brooklyn, NY -- http://www.correctionalchaplains.org
ACCCA -- American Catholic Correctional Chaplain's
Association
ACE -- Advisory Council on Ethics -- TDCJ, Austin,
TX
ACLU -- American Civil Liberties Union -- National
Prison Project -- Washington, D.C.
ACPE -- Association of Clinical Pastoral Education
-- Decatur, GA
ACT -- Association of Chaplains of Texas --
Houston, TX
ACTS -- American Chaplaincy Training School --
Milligan College, TN
ADEC -- Association for Death Education &
Counseling -- Hartford, CT
ADL -- Anti-Defamation League -- Houston, TX
Amnesty International -- New York, NY
APC -- Association of Professional Chaplains -- www.professionalchaplains.org
APCCA -- American Protestant Correctional
Chaplain's Association, Tulsa, OK
BGCT -- Baptist General Convention of Texas -- Dallas,
TX
BJS -- Bureau of Justice Statistics Clearinghouse
-- Annapolis Junction, MD
CATO Institute -- Washington, D.C.
CBF -- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – Atlanta,
GA
Chaplaincy Commission, NAMB, SBC -- Atlanta, GA
Chaplaincy Today -- Federal Bureau of Prisons
Update -- Washington, D.C.
Christian Life Commissions -- BGCT -- Dallas,
TX; & SBC -- Nashville, TN
Christian Solidarity International -- Washington,
D.C.
CJMN -- Criminal Justice Ministries Network of
North Texas -- Plano, TX
CJCMC -- Criminal Justice Ministry Center --
Belton, TX
College of Chaplains -- Schaumburg, IL
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship -- Atlanta, GA
Correctional Peace Officers Foundation --
Sacramento, CA
Corrections Alert -- Aspen Publishers --
Gaithersburg, MD (Mag/Jour)
Corrections Cost Control & Revenue Report --
Fredrick, MD (Mag/Jour)
Counseling Associations: American Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association
Families Who Care -- San Antonio, TX
FCN -- Family & Corrections Network --
Palmyra, CA
Healing Ministry -- Weston, MA (Mag/Jour)
Home Mission Board, SBC -- Atlanta, GA
Human Rights Watch -- New York, NY
IAJV -- International Association of Justice
Volunteerism -- St. Paul, MN
IBS -- International Bible Society -- Colorado
Springs, CO
ICPSR -- Inter-university Consortium for Political
and Social Research -- Ann Arbor, MI
Institute for Narrative Therapy -- Cabin John, MD
Institute of Biblical Preaching -- Stephen Alford,
Memphis, TN
IPCA -- International Prison Ministry Association
-- Quebec, Canada
J.A.I.L. Ministry -- Belton, TX
Justice Fellowship -- Prison Fellowship Sponsored
-- Washington, D.C.
Kings College -- London, Ontario, Canada (Annual
Conference Death/Bereavement)
NACJD -- National Archive Criminal Justice Data --
Ann Arbor, MI
NCIA -- National Center on Institutions and
Alternatives -- Mansfield, MA
NCJRS -- National Criminal Justice Reference
Service -- Rockville, MD
New Orleans Theological Seminary -- New Orleans,
LA (Mag/Jour)
NIC -- National Institute of Corrections --
Washington, D.C./Longmont, CO
NOCP -- National Office of Citizen Participation
--
Federal Bureau of Prisons -- Washington, D.C.
NVC -- National Victim Center -- Arlington, VA
P.A.C.T.
-- Parents and Children Together -- Fort Worth, TX
Perspectives Study Program -- U.S. Center for World Missions -- Pasadena, CA
Probe Ministries -- Richardson, TX
SBC -- Southern Baptist Convention -- Nashville,
TN
Society for the Right to Die -- New York, NY
Southern Baptist Alliance -- Washington, D.C.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary -- F.W.,
TX – (Mag/Jour)
State Government Officials -- Addresses
SW Region ACPE -- Houston, TX
Texas Adult Literacy Clearinghouse -- College
Station, TX
Texas Baptists Committed -- San Angelo, TX
Therapon Institute -- Crockett, TX
Toastmasters International -- Mission Viejo, CA
Victim's Library -- Austin, TX
Violence Coalitions (6)
Volunteers of America -- Alexandria, VA
Volunteer Today -- US Department of Justice --
FBOP (Mag/Jour)
- - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1. ACCA - American Correctional Chaplains
Association Standards
– Founded 1885
2. APC – Association of Professional Chaplains
Standards ~
Two Levels of Competence
APC Board Certified Chaplain
a. Definition
“Board Certified” ~ b. General Standards ~
c. Competency Standards (1) Personal
~ (2) Pastoral ~
(3) Professional ~ (4) Continuing Education
APC Associate Chaplain
a. Def. of Assoc.
Chaplain ~ b. General Standards ~
c. Competency Standards
3. FBOP – Federal Bureau of Prisons Standards
4. VA – Veterans Administrations Standards
5. US Army, Navy & Air Force Standards
6. Other Professional
Associations/Organizations Available to Chaplains