NYSCOC - Chaplin certification criteria

CHAPLAINCY CERTIFICATION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

FOR PROTESTANT AND ORTHODOX CLERGY IN NEW YORK STATE

CERTIFICATION IS MANDATORY IN THE FOLLOWING NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES:

· DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

· OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH

· OFFICE OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTALDISABILITIES

· OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

A. PREAMBLE

The New York State Council of Churches recognizes the need for and right of all persons in state institutions to an effective spiritual ministry. Guided by our sense of oneness in the Body of Christ, the New York State Council of Churches, cooperating with and on behalf of Protestant/Orthodox communions within New York State, affirms the following:

1. A person’s relationship to God plays a vital role in the healing and rehabilitative process;

2. The chaplain’s main function is to provide a spiritual ministry and habilitative, rehabilitative services and programs supportive of that ministry; and

3. Chaplains must be knowledgeable of the context of human services delivery systems, trained to perform specialized pastoral functions, and competent to serve as members of a professional team and to advocate for residents, patients, inmates and staff.

B. CRITERIA FOR CERTIFICATION

In order to be interviewed by the Certification Committee, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Evidence of Ordination

Documentation that he/she has full ordination as a clergy person in accordance with the stated policy of his/her denomination and is authorized to perform all functions related to that office.

2. Ecclesiastical Endorsement

A letter from his/her appropriate denominational officer certifying that the candidate is a clergy person in good standing and is recommended for chaplaincy in state institutional settings. Only denominations listed in the current YEARBOOK OF AMERICAN AND CANADIAN CHURCHES will be recognized without further documentation.

3. Formal Education

a. Graduation with a bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college.

b. Completion of an appropriate program of theological education and training. The policy is that candidates for certification should hold a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school. However, if candidates can document an equivalent alternate program of education and training for ministry, the Committee will give careful consideration to such.

4. Pastoral Experience

Evidence of five (5) years experience in a pastoral setting in which at least three (3) years shall have taken place after ordination.

Demonstrate ability to provide pastoral care in the specialized setting for which he/she is applying. Experience in one or more of the following is desired:

b. Supervised in-service training in pastoral counseling, in social case work, in guidance and counseling, or in ministry within a facility of the agency for which he/she is applying;

c. Advanced studies in ministry, pastoral care, pastoral psychology, guidance and counseling, social work.

Any of the above criteria can be waived if, in the judgment of the Committee, a candidate demonstrates an extraordinary degree of maturity, spiritual understanding, worship skills, pastoral concern, counseling competence, and an ability to document appropriately.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate throughout the certifying process a sense of calling to this ministry, good judgement, flexibility, internalized and integrated training, problem-solving skills, a compassion for humanity and insight into his/her own character.

1. Certification of ordination is to be provided by the candidate and should accompany the application. Ecclesiastical endorsement will be provided by the candidate's denomination at the request of the New York State Council of Churches. No interview will be arranged until these documents are received and approved.

2. Certification of “Professional Competency” will be done through the Certification Committee. The candidate will forward supporting documentation on education, training, pastoral experience, and references to the New York State Council of Churches for processing and review by the Committee. The Committee will then conduct an interview, notify the candidate of its action, and make recommendations for continued professional growth.

Chaplains certified in one area must be recertified in order to qualify in another area. For example, Corrections to Mental Health, or vice versa.

1 In the event that a candidate is not satisfied with the decision of the interviewing committee, he/she may request a review of that decision. This request is to be addressed in writing to the Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission of the New York State Council of Churches. The cause for the appeal should be specified.

2. Certification is for three years. If a candidate is not employed by a New York State agency within three years of certification, he/she will be required to submit an updated application.

3. A chaplain’s certification may be reviewed at any time by the New York State Council of Churches. Request for such a review may come from a chaplain, a facility, an agency, a denomination, or other concerned parties.

4. Certification may be revoked by the Commission on Chaplaincy Services of the New York State Council of Churches for sufficient cause.