Serving Those Who Served: Become a Chaplain with the VA in San Diego

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of support for the men and women who have defended our country. Central to the VA's mission of whole-person health is the role of the Chaplain. We are currently seeking a compassionate, experienced, and board-certified Chaplain to join our team at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. If you are called to provide spiritual guidance, comfort in times of crisis, and a listening ear to those who have sacrificed so much, this position offers a unique opportunity to serve.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will do much more than conduct religious services. You will serve as a spiritual advisor to patients, families, and medical staff. Key duties include:

Providing pastoral counseling for complex medical, ethical, and spiritual concerns.
Conducting hospital rounds to visit critically ill patients.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop therapeutic care plans.
Facilitating prayer, sacraments, and liturgical services across diverse faith traditions.
Addressing issues like moral injury and family crisis.

Requirements

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

Educational Background: Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree.
Certification: Must be a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCI or reciprocal).
Endorsement: A current, active ecclesiastical endorsement from your national faith group authority.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Professional Conduct: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate with empathy.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is set between $70,507 and $110,905 per year, depending on qualifications and experience level.

Feature	Details
Position Series	0060 (Chaplain)
Grade Level	GS-9 to GS-11
Location	San Diego, California
Schedule	Intermittent (Varies)

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a range of federal benefits, including competitive leave accrual, health programs, and the profound satisfaction of working in an environment where your spiritual and emotional support directly enhances patient outcomes.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your specific experience with sacraments, assessment, and counseling.
Verify Documents: Check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current (within the last 12 months).
Stay Organized: Ensure all your transcripts are uploaded and clearly readable to avoid disqualification.

Serving as a VA Chaplain is more than a job; it is a sacred duty. If you are ready to apply your theological training and counseling skills to serve our Veterans in San Diego, we encourage you to submit your application by September 25, 2026.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Provide compassionate, whole-person spiritual support to those who served. Join the San Diego VA Healthcare System as a Chaplain and make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Chaplain to serve the San Diego VA Healthcare System. In this role, you will provide comprehensive pastoral counseling and religious ministry to Veteran patients, their families, and medical staff. Operating within a Whole Health System of care, you will bridge the gap between clinical treatment and spiritual well-being, ensuring that Veterans receive holistic support tailored to their personal, moral, and religious needs across various inpatient and outpatient settings.

Requirements for Chaplain

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution.
Current, active ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized national faith group authority (dated within the last 12 months).
Board Certification by BCCI or a reciprocal U.S. certifying body (requires 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Extensive experience providing pastoral care to Veterans from diverse faith traditions.
Proficiency in administering sacraments, liturgical services, and providing last rites.
Demonstrated ability to perform spiritual assessments and document care plans in a healthcare setting.
Proven skill in crisis intervention and counseling regarding moral injury or ethical dilemmas.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on service years.
✓Access to a comprehensive healthcare model focused on Whole Health.
✓Opportunities for professional development and staff resiliency training.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.
✓Integration into a national network of VA healthcare professionals.

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your pastoral experience.
Gather required documentation, including your ecclesiastical endorsement, transcripts, and proof of board certification.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on September 25, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Clearly describe your experience, including any volunteer work, as we cannot make assumptions.
Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last year to remain valid.
Double-check that all uploaded transcripts or foreign education equivalencies are clear and legible.
Track your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard for updates after the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet Board-Certified?

Non-Board-Certified applicants may be considered for a temporary appointment not to exceed 2 years, provided they have completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education. However, they must obtain certification to be eligible for permanent status or promotion.

What does the 'Whole Health' approach mean for a Chaplain?

It means you work as part of a collaborative team to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran, addressing their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being rather than just treating symptoms.

What if I have foreign education?

You must have your education evaluated by a NACES-affiliated organization to prove it is equivalent to a U.S. degree.

Is there flexibility in work hours?

The position is listed as intermittent, meaning hours will vary based on the needs of the service and are not guaranteed.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network is committed to a "Whole Health" system of care. This approach goes beyond traditional medical treatment, focusing on empowering Veterans to take charge of their well-being. As a Chaplain within this network, you are a vital partner in the healing environment, helping Veterans reconnect with their values and community.