Chaplain

Veterans Health Administration • San Diego, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the San Diego VAMC. The Chaplain provides pastoral care and religious ministry to Veteran patients, their families, caregivers, and staff in inpatient and outpatient settings, including clinics and domiciliaries. Services are generally provided within a medical facility and are tailored to patients’ specific needs and wishes. The Chaplain serves as a spiritual resource, advisor, counselor, and contact for spiritual needs, including during crises. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on an intermittent basis. Hours vary according to service needs; estimated hours are 20–30 per week, with no guarantee of weekly hours. Some weekend and holiday work may be required. Telework and virtual work are unavailable. The position’s full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
• A full and active ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months, from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant’s faith group or denomination; endorsement must be maintained during employment.
• Board certification by BCCI or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement with BCCI; certification requiring four units of CPE qualifies. The posting describes a temporary appointment exception for certain non-board-certified applicants who have completed four CPE units and meet other conditions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, plus the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities. GS-09 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements.
• Ability to meet pre-employment conditions, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, required onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
• Ability to walk and move within a healthcare setting, or do so using an assistive device; ability to speak and hear (hearing aids permitted) and work closely with others.

Nice To Haves

• Four completed units of CPE and at least one year of experience in a healthcare facility.
• Experience providing pastoral care to Veterans of all faith backgrounds, including Catholic sacramental ministry, last rites, Eucharistic communion, liturgical services, sacramental practices, Mass, spiritual assessment, and support for patients, families, and communities in a healthcare ministry setting.
• For GS-09: knowledge of spiritual assessments and documentation; ability to develop pastoral care plans, provide crisis intervention, collaborate with healthcare teams, support free exercise of religion, use individual and group interventions and referrals, coordinate religious services, and communicate with people from varied backgrounds.
• For GS-11: knowledge of advance care planning and community needs; skills in life review and end-of-life preparation, counseling on medical, ethical, terminal, moral-injury, conscience, family, and justice-related issues; ability to develop measurable, evidence-based pastoral care programs, support staff resiliency and wellness, and educate healthcare staff about spiritual screening and chaplain referrals.

Responsibilities

• Provide religious ministry services to Veteran patients according to their needs and wishes.
• Serve as a spiritual resource, advisor, and point of contact for patients, caregivers, and staff.
• Conduct religious services and worship, pastoral ministry, and administration of Chaplain services.
• Provide emotional support, pastoral counseling, and counseling services to patients and staff.
• Lead prayers, religious services, and rituals for patients, families, staff, and the community.
• Address religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical concerns of patients and staff.
• Conduct regular rounds of hospital wards where patients are critically ill.
• Collaborate with treatment team professionals on recommended actions and therapeutic goals for patients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level