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The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is a pivotal state agency committed to enhancing public safety throughout Arizona by implementing modern and effective correctional practices. With a workforce exceeding 8,000 officers and dedicated professional staff, ADCRR’s mission extends beyond incarceration to include rehabilitation and reentry services that promote the successful reintegration of inmates into society. The agency prioritizes transparency, accountability, and fairness, redefining correctional services to ensure they meet the contemporary standards of humane treatment and public service. ADCRR operates several correctional facilities across the state, including the Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) in Tucson, where the Chaplain I position is located.

The Chaplain I role at ADCRR offers a unique opportunity for individuals called to provide spiritual care and guidance within a correctional environment. This full-time position is based at the ASPC in Tucson, Arizona, and offers a competitive salary range between $48,000 and $55,200 annually, graded at level 17. The Chaplain I is responsible for facilitating the religious development and spiritual well-being of inmates through counseling, religious services, and community engagement. This role requires interaction with a diverse inmate population representing various religious backgrounds, necessitating cultural sensitivity and knowledge of different faith traditions.

Key responsibilities include providing pastoral counseling, conducting religious services, and coordinating volunteer activities that support the spiritual needs of the inmate community. The Chaplain I also works collaboratively with institutional leadership, including Deputy Wardens and supervising chaplains, to ensure religious accommodations comply with both security protocols and inmates’ rights. Additionally, the position involves responding to inmates’ special requests related to religious diets, services, and privileges while maintaining institutional order. The Chaplain I acts as a liaison between the correctional facility and the broader religious community, fostering partnerships that enhance the rehabilitative environment.

The role demands a high level of interpersonal skill, emotional resilience, and the ability to navigate complex situations involving inmate welfare, institutional security, and public relations. The Chaplain I must be skilled in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and pastoral care techniques, along with proficient communication and public speaking abilities. This position not only supports inmates’ spiritual needs but also contributes to the overall mission of ADCRR by promoting a safe and supportive correctional environment.

Joining ADCRR as a Chaplain I means becoming part of a dedicated team focused on meaningful engagement and public service. The agency supports its employees with a robust benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick leave, medical and dental insurance, a strong retirement program, and various optional employee benefits such as wellness programs and commuter subsidies. Employment is contingent upon passing a background investigation and drug test, and requires proof of ordination or certification from the applicant's faith group. This rewarding career path offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of inmates while upholding the agency’s commitment to public safety and rehabilitation.