Chaplain Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological education from a qualifying accredited institution, or an approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized chaplain certification body.
• A full and active ecclesiastical endorsement from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's faith group or denomination, dated within the past 12 months; the endorsement must be maintained during employment.
• Board certification as a Chaplain by BCCI or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement with BCCI. A certification requiring four units of CPE qualifies.
• Non-board-certified applicants may qualify for a temporary appointment of up to two years if they meet other eligibility requirements and provide proof of four units of CPE; they must work under supervision, may be appointed only at entry level, and must obtain board certification to advance or convert.
• For GS-09: no experience beyond the basic requirements; must demonstrate the stated KSAs in spiritual assessment and documentation, pastoral care planning, crisis intervention, healthcare-team collaboration, free exercise of religion, spiritual and emotional interventions and referrals, coordinating religious services, and communication.
• For GS-11: one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, plus the stated KSAs in advance care planning, values and end-of-life counseling, developing outcome-driven pastoral programs, counseling on medical and ethical issues and crises, staff resilience and wellness, educating healthcare staff about spiritual screening and referrals, and coordinating community resources.
• Selected applicants must complete background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment requirements, including a physical evaluation and seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register with Selective Service.
• A 1- or 2-year trial period is required, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Physical ability to perform work that may involve standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; may require personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing spiritual, religious, or pastoral care to individuals and families in healthcare, institutional, community, or ministry settings.
• Experience providing counseling or emotional support, conducting spiritual assessments, responding to grief or crisis, and collaborating with professionals or community partners to address individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide religious ministry services to Veteran patients according to their specific needs and desires.
• 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 compassionate listening, counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention.
• Respect the needs of different denominations and faith groups in a pluralistic environment.
• Lead prayers, rituals, and religious services for Veteran patients, their families, staff, and the community.
• Address religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical concerns of patients and staff.
• Conduct regular rounds of hospital wards, especially those with critically ill patients.
• Minister to newly admitted, pre- and post-operative, and critically ill patients and their families.
• Provide advance care planning education, information, and counsel to patients and families.
• Provide pastoral ministry to patients of the Chaplain's faith group, including during emergencies and crises.
• Ensure patients have opportunities for the free exercise of religion and are protected from proselytizing and coercion.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff and community organizations to support comprehensive spiritual care and referrals.
• Develop pastoral care programs and support staff resiliency, development, and wellness as appropriate to the grade level.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.