Chaplain

Quick Facts

• Role: Chaplain (GS-12 full performance)

• Setting: VHA Chaplain program integrated into inpatient/outpatient and clinical satellite environments; no telework

Description

Provide comprehensive religious ministry and pastoral care to Veterans, caregivers, and staff, serving as a primary spiritual resource and liaison. Conduct worship services and deliver extended, intensive pastoral counseling for complex ethical, moral, and spiritual issues, including support during crisis, grief, and end-of-life situations. Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams and document chaplaincy care in the EHR using approved templates or Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan (SOAP) notes.

Responsibilities

• Lead religious services and provide Chaplaincy ministry integrated into the VHA program

• Provide pastoral counseling on complex medical and ethical matters (including moral injury, conscience issues, justice/confinement concerns, terminal diagnoses, and crisis)

• Perform spiritual assessments and develop care plans for moral injury and spiritual distress

• Deliver crisis intervention and stabilization for unit emergencies, disasters, and special events

• Advise and collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment team members to support comprehensive, holistic care

• Consult with Chaplain Service management and other stakeholders; mentor colleagues and students as needed

• Develop outcome-driven, evidence-based pastoral care programs and support service pattern modification

• Provide advance care planning education and counsel for patients and families

• Support values expression through life review, oral history, and end-of-life preparation/documentation

• Maintain records and document chaplaincy care in EHRM/CPRS using approved templates or SOAP

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Written and spoken English proficiency

• Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate-level theological degree (or approved equivalency review)

• Full and active ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the past 12 months

• Board certification as a chaplain (BCCI or U.S. certifying body with reciprocity)

• Specialty certification related to the position

• GS-12 level: at least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-11

• Background/security investigation and completion of required onboarding/documentation

Benefits

Federal employment provides a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position and work schedule.