Serving Those Who Served: Chaplain Opportunity at the Madison VA

Are you a dedicated spiritual leader looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a passionate Chaplain to join the team at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide holistic spiritual support to Veterans, their families, and staff within a world-class healthcare facility.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff Chaplain, you will spend at least 70% of your time in direct patient care. Key duties include:

Performing pastoral ministry and worship services for a diverse group of Veterans.
Collaborating with medical teams, including social workers, nurses, and physicians.
Providing crisis intervention and emotional support during terminal diagnoses or emergencies.
Educating staff on spiritual resiliency and the importance of screening for patient spiritual needs.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following baseline standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: Master of Divinity or equivalent accredited graduate degree.
Endorsement: A current ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the last 12 months.
Certification: Board-Certified by the BCCI or an authorized equivalent.
Language: High proficiency in written and spoken English.

Grade Level Comparison

GS Level	Key Focus
GS-9	Entry-level, requiring spiritual assessment and basic care plans.
GS-11	Full Performance level, requiring advanced counseling and program development.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $97,078 per year. Benefits include federal health and life insurance, a comprehensive retirement package, and generous leave accrual.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume document provided by the VA careers site.
Documentation is Key: Have your transcripts and certifications ready to upload immediately.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly state how your volunteer or pastoral work aligns with the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).

If you have the heart to serve and the qualifications to support our nation’s Veterans, this role offers a rewarding career path. Apply today via the official USAJOBS portal to join the Madison VA team.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Make a profound difference in the lives of those who served. Join the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital as a Chaplain and provide essential spiritual care and counseling to our nation’s heroes.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated, compassionate professional to serve as a Chaplain at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. This role is vital to our mission, providing comprehensive spiritual ministry, crisis counseling, and pastoral support to Veterans, their families, and our healthcare staff. You will work within a multi-professional team, ensuring that spiritual health is integrated into the holistic care of our patients.

Requirements for Chaplain

United States Citizenship
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution
Full and active ecclesiastical endorsement (dated within the last 12 months)
Board Certification by the Board of Chaplaincy Certifications Inc. (BCCI) or a recognized equivalent
Successful completion of a background and security investigation
Commitment to the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Experience in clinical pastoral education (CPE)
Strong interpersonal skills for counseling in high-stress medical environments
Demonstrated ability to coordinate religious services across diverse faith traditions
Competency in providing advance care planning and end-of-life counseling

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Federal retirement pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Professional development and continuing education support

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account profile
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link
Prepare all required documentation including your transcript, ecclesiastical endorsement, and Board Certification
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal
Submit your full application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume reflects both paid and volunteer experience, as both are valued in the federal hiring process.
Be specific in your descriptions; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your previous experience.
Double-check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current, as this is a non-negotiable requirement.
If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim appropriate preference points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is board certification required for this position?

Yes, applicants must be board-certified by the BCCI or an equivalent certifying body with reciprocity. However, there is a limited exception for GS-9 entry-level appointments for those who have completed four units of CPE.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is a 131-bed acute care facility that serves over 130,000 Veterans in Wisconsin and Illinois. As a center for specialty care and teaching, the hospital provides a vibrant, professional environment for clinical chaplains.