Chaplain Volunteer

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the GCRTA Transit Police Chief, the Chaplain provides emotional, moral, and spiritual support to officers, staff members, and family members of the GCRTA Transit Police Division.

General Scope & Duties

The Chaplain’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following tasks as directed by the Chief of Police upon request:

• Serve as the Chaplain for the Transit Police Division, promoting the overall well-being of officers, staff, and their families.
• Offer counseling, support, and spiritual guidance upon request, addressing the on-the-job stresses of law enforcement, traumatic incidents, emergencies, and community tragedies.
• Provide counseling, support, and spiritual guidance (as needed) for off-duty challenges such as marital issues, family concerns, financial difficulties, and more, making appropriate professional referrals upon request. 
• Act as the Department’s liaison with faith-based organizations within GCRTA.
• Provide training to staff on topics including resiliency, stress management, and mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Notify and support officers, staff, and families in cases of line-of-duty deaths or injuries, providing pastoral care upon request. 
• Visit sick or injured officers, staff, or family members in hospitals or medical care facilities to offer support.
• Attend and participate in funeral services for law enforcement officers and staff, as well as memorial services.
• Periodically attend law enforcement training sessions to gain familiarity with police duties, tactics, and procedures.
• Participate in roll-call briefings, case reviews, and staff meetings.
• Accompany patrol operations on ride-alongs to better understand law enforcement experiences.
• Attend Department promotions, award ceremonies, graduations, and other GCRTA special events.
• Participate in community events and public relations efforts to foster positive relationships between the Department and the community.
• Prepare various documents, including reports, memos, correspondence, and records upon request. 
• Consult Transit Police policies, procedures, regulations, laws, maps, and other references upon request. 
• Operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, telephones, and copiers.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be an ordained or licensed member of the clergy in good standing, endorsed for Chaplaincy by a recognized religious denomination.
• A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school is preferred. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Theology, Psychology, Religion, Mental Health/Counseling) with at least two years of experience as a volunteer or paid public safety Chaplain, or a combination of education, experience, and training that meets the position’s requirements, is acceptable.
• Specific training in Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Clinical Pastoral Education, or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Must demonstrate compassion and empathy toward individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, or nationality.
• Strong communication skills, particularly in crisis situations, are essential.
• Must exemplify and maintain high personal moral and spiritual standards.
• Professional confidentiality must be upheld at all times.