Serving Those Who Served: Supervisory Chaplain Opportunity in Shreveport

The role of a Chaplain within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a profound calling. It bridges the gap between clinical healthcare and the spiritual needs of our nation's Veterans. If you are a faith leader with a heart for pastoral care and a vision for organizational leadership, the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, has an opening for a Supervisory Chaplain.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Chaplain, you will balance direct pastoral ministry with high-level administrative oversight. Your primary responsibilities include:

Pastoral Care: Conducting spiritual assessments, providing bedside sacraments, and offering counseling to Veterans and their families during illness or crisis.
Leadership: Managing the daily operations of the Chaplain Service, including staff assignments, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
Strategic Integration: Developing local policies and clinical standards to ensure spiritual care is integrated into the holistic treatment plans of all patient settings.
Consultation: Advising hospital leadership on religious expression and ensuring an inclusive environment for patients of all faith backgrounds.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet several strict criteria:

Education: A Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from a CHEA/ATS accredited institution.
Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Must possess a valid, current (within 12 months) endorsement from your official national religious body.
Certification: Board Certification from BCCI or a recognized body is required, or a commitment to attain it within the VA’s specified timeframe.
Experience: One year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

Requirements Comparison Table

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Graduate-level theological degree required
Certification	BCCI Board Certification or equivalent
Endorsement	Official national ecclesiastical endorsement needed

Salary Overview

This position is listed at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary range is $89,508 to $116,362, commensurate with experience and organizational guidelines.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides access to a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Federal retirement options.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
A mission-centric environment that supports professional development and specialized clinical training.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Use the specific VA resume link provided in the announcement to ensure your formatting is correct.
Detail Your Work: Be explicit about your roles. Don't assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities—list them clearly with dates.
Stay Current: Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is up to date before submitting your application.
Check Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by August 6, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Serving as a Supervisory Chaplain at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide healing and hope to the men and women who have defended our country. If you possess the required theological training and leadership expertise, we encourage you to apply and help us continue the vital work of caring for our Veterans.

Why This Supervisory Chaplain Job Matters

Lead with compassion and purpose. Join the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center as a Supervisory Chaplain and guide the spiritual care initiatives that support our nation's heroes in Shreveport.

Supervisory Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and empathetic leader to serve as a Supervisory Chaplain at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive spiritual and pastoral care to Veterans, their families, and facility staff. You will lead the Chaplaincy program, overseeing religious services, managing administrative operations, and serving as a key consultant to facility leadership. If you possess a Master of Divinity, maintain an active ecclesiastical endorsement, and have a heart for service, we invite you to help us uphold our commitment to those who have served our country.

Requirements for Supervisory Chaplain

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Possess a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution
Maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement
Hold Board Certification (BCCI or equivalent) or work toward it
Pass a background and security investigation
Proficient in written and spoken English
Active participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Chaplain

Demonstrated expertise in supervising staff within a complex healthcare environment
Proven experience in interfaith spiritual and pastoral care
Advanced skills in administrative management, strategic planning, and policy development
Strong collaborative interpersonal skills for multi-disciplinary clinical team environments

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal healthcare insurance options
✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
✓Retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
✓Access to the VA's holistic care mission and resources

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Chaplain Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your specialized clinical resume and required documents (transcripts, ecclesiastical endorsement, SF-50 if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documents, ensuring your resume details specific duties and dates.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of August 6, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the provided VA clinical resume template to ensure your document meets specific formatting needs.
Clearly state your duties and hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is current (dated within the last 12 months).
Double-check that your educational documents demonstrate accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position located at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.

What happens if I am not yet Board Certified?

While board certification is a requirement for this role, the facility will provide a clear timeline and expectations for obtaining certification upon hiring. Failure to meet these requirements within the designated timeframe may result in separation.

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

U.S. citizenship is a primary requirement. Non-citizens may only be considered in specific circumstances where it is impossible to recruit a qualified citizen.

What is the work environment like?

*A: The work is primarily in a clinical/office setting, requiring the ability to manage stressful situations with grace and professionalism.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, this position does not offer relocation or PCS incentives.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the Overton Brooks team, you are becoming part of a community that values holistic health, including the essential role of spiritual wellness in the recovery and comfort of Veterans.