Serving Those Who Served: Chaplain Career Opportunity at the VA

The Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System is currently seeking a dedicated Chaplain (GS-12) to join our esteemed pastoral care team. This is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive spiritual and emotional support to our nation’s Veterans, their families, and the medical staff who care for them. If you are a board-certified professional with a deep commitment to service, we invite you to explore this career path.

Job Responsibilities

As a VA Chaplain, your primary role is to serve as a spiritual advisor and compassionate listener. Your duties will include:

Providing religious ministry services and counseling for patients of all denominations.
Conducting hospital rounds, specifically focusing on critical care and hospice patients.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, and social workers.
Ensuring patients have the right to exercise their faith freely while protected from proselytizing.
Maintaining accurate clinical records in the electronic health management system.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: Master of Divinity or equivalent theological graduate degree from an accredited school.
Clinical Training: Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Certification/Endorsement: Current Board Certification and an active ecclesiastical endorsement (dated within the last 12 months).

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$104,349 - $135,657
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Employment Type	Excepted Service

Application Tips

Documentation is Key: Always verify that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current. Expired documentation is a common reason for disqualification.
Follow Formatting: Use the specific resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Be Specific: When describing your volunteer or professional ministry, be as detailed as possible to allow reviewers to accurately assess your skills.

Being a VA Chaplain is more than a job—it is a calling. You will play a pivotal role in the healing journey of our Veterans in the Los Angeles area. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to serve, we encourage you to apply by the closing date.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Join a dedicated team at the Greater Los Angeles VA and serve those who have served us by providing compassionate, inclusive spiritual care as a professional Chaplain.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a mission-driven Chaplain for the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. This role is essential to our Whole Health System of care, where you will provide holistic spiritual support, religious services, and counseling to Veterans, their families, and our staff. You will work within a diverse, multi-professional team, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to exercise their faith in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Requirements for Chaplain

U.S. Citizenship
Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution
Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an accredited center
Active ecclesiastical endorsement from a national endorsing authority within the last 12 months
Board Certification by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) or a recognized equivalent
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Must pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

1-2 years of experience as a Board Certified Chaplain
Specialty competency in chaplaincy
Ability to work effectively in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based clinics
Strong skills in mediating conflict and diffusing moral distress in clinical settings

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized clinical training

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Preview the occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Prepare your resume and ensure it includes all required supporting documents.
Upload your documents, specifically your ecclesiastical endorsement, board certification, and clinical resume.
Submit your application and questionnaire through the online portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last 12 months.
Follow the specific formatting instructions for the clinical resume document provided by the VA.
Do not omit any documentation; incomplete application packages will not be considered.
Clearly describe your experience using specific examples of your spiritual care work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of faith groups does the VA chaplain service support?

The VA operates in a pluralistic environment, providing support for patients of all faith backgrounds and denominations.

Is board certification mandatory?

Yes, applicants must be board certified by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) or an organization with a valid reciprocity agreement.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military. We champion a 'Whole Health' model, which treats the person as a whole rather than just their symptoms. Our Chaplains are vital partners in this mission, fostering healing environments and assisting Veterans in finding meaning and resilience.