Supervisory Chaplain

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English Education: must possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational qualifications as evidenced by a graduate-level theological degree from a college, university or theological school accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Ecclesiastical Endorsement. In accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 17.655, ecclesiastical endorsement is a condition of employment as a VA chaplain. An individual must possess and maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement to be employed as a VA chaplain. Applicants must have an ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months. Ecclesiastical endorsements must be from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's/employee's faith group or denomination. Ecclesiastical endorsement is a written official statement, by the official national endorsing body of the faith group or denomination, certifying that the applicant is in good standing with the applicant's faith group or denomination; and stating that the individual is, in the opinion of the endorsing body, qualified to perform the full range of ministry required in the VA pluralistic setting. Loss of endorsement will result in removal from the GS-0060 Chaplain series and may result in termination of employment. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved endorsing organizations that can be found here: VA National Chaplain Service Board Certification. (1) Certification. Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®. Board Certification that requires 4 units of CPE is qualifying. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications found on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint: VA National Chaplain Service. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of administrative, personnel, and resource management and strategic planning for chaplaincy and chaplain pastoral education programs. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties, which include responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff and recommendation of awards, advancements and disciplinary actions. Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and ability to work collaboratively with managers from other departments. Ability to develop local policy, productivity and clinical practice standards. Ability to align chaplaincy services and programming with the strategic goals and objectives of the facility, VISN, and VHA. Ability to ensure compliance with chaplaincy practice, policy and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.

Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience providing leadership, direction, and supervision within a chaplaincy or spiritual care department, including responsibility for staff assignment, evaluation, coaching, disciplinary recommendations, and the development or oversight of sub-programs such as training, community partnerships, pastoral education, or specialized ministry. Experience managing a moderately complex to very complex chaplain service with multiple specialty chaplains (e.g., Mental Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, Suicide Prevention, SUD, Women's Health, Cancer Care, Spinal Cord Injury) and ensuring integrated spiritual care across inpatient, outpatient, and specialty programs. Demonstrated ability to function as a fully recognized member of interdisciplinary treatment teams, providing expert consultation to clinical staff, leadership, and stakeholders on spiritual care, ethical concerns, religious accommodation, and holistic care planning. Experience developing, implementing, or maintaining chaplaincy policies, productivity standards, performance metrics, accreditation compliance, and strategic planning aligned with VHA or comparable organizational goals.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.