Providing Spiritual Care: Chaplain Career Opportunities at the VA
The role of a Chaplain within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is more than a job—it is a calling. As a member of the North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System, you will play an essential role in the "Whole Health" care model, ensuring that the spiritual and existential needs of our nation's heroes are met with grace, empathy, and professionalism.
Job Responsibilities
As a VA Chaplain, your daily mission involves:
- Conducting spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs.
- Providing crisis intervention and spiritual support during end-of-life care.
- Facilitating religious services for patients, families, and staff.
- Collaborating with physicians, psychologists, and social workers on integrated treatment plans.
- Serving as a compassionate presence for patients struggling with moral injury or existential distress.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the highest quality of care, all applicants must meet strict criteria:
- Education: A Master of Divinity or equivalent theological graduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Endorsement: A current, active ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized national faith authority.
- Certification: Board-Certified Chaplain status (BCCI or equivalent).
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-9 (Entry) | GS-11 (Full Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Entry-level | 1+ year equivalent experience |
| Supervision | Daily direct supervision | Independent practice |
| Primary Focus | Development & Assessment | Independent resource for complex care |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $61,722 to $97,087 annually, commensurate with your experience and the assigned grade level (GS-9 to GS-11).
Benefits
Working with the VA offers a stable career path with the unique reward of serving those who sacrificed for our country. Employees benefit from federal leave accrual, comprehensive retirement planning, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Application Tips
To stand out, be sure your resume is as detailed as possible. Hiring managers need to see specific examples of your experience in pastoral care, crisis counseling, and team collaboration. Do not leave out dates of service or hours worked—these are essential for qualification verification.
If you are a dedicated spiritual leader ready to integrate pastoral care into the clinical healthcare setting, we encourage you to apply. Your service will provide immeasurable comfort to the Veterans of Gainesville and the surrounding region.
Why This Amended-Chaplain Job Matters
Provide compassionate, holistic spiritual care to the heroes who served our nation. Join the North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System as a Chaplain and make a profound impact on Veterans, their families, and our dedicated staff.
Amended-Chaplain Job Overview
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Chaplain to provide integrated pastoral care. In this role, you will serve as a vital member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, addressing the spiritual, emotional, and existential needs of Veterans across various medical settings. You will lead religious services, provide crisis intervention, and ensure the spiritual component of holistic care is honored for every patient.
Requirements for Amended-Chaplain
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution
- Active, full ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized national faith group authority (dated within the last 12 months)
- Board-Certified Chaplain status (BCCI or reciprocity equivalent)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Background and security investigation clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Amended-Chaplain
- Experience in crisis intervention and stabilization
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with medical and psychological healthcare professionals
- Experience in advance care planning and end-of-life counseling
- Proven history of program development in clinical pastoral settings
- Skills in facilitating staff resiliency and wellness programs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee annual leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within a Level 1A teaching facility
- ✓Meaningful work in a multidisciplinary environment
- ✓Contribution to holistic patient care and staff wellness
💡 How to Apply Amended-Chaplain Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Amended-Chaplain Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume or CV detailing your work history, duties, and specific dates of employment.
- Gather required documentation, including your ecclesiastical endorsement, academic transcripts, and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of October 12, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your experience; be explicit in detailing your responsibilities and achievements.
- Check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current (dated within the last 12 months).
- Submit all required documents at once to avoid processing delays.
- Verify your eligibility for veterans' preference if applicable and attach required documentation like the DD214.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am not yet Board-Certified?
Non-Board-Certified applicants may be considered for a temporary, two-year appointment if they have completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). However, promotion or conversion is contingent upon obtaining full board certification.
Is this position remote?
No, this is an on-site, in-person position based at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.
What is the expected work schedule?
The standard schedule is 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a requirement for rotating weekends.
Can I apply without Board Certification?
*A: Yes, under specific conditions for a temporary appointment, provided you have completed 4 units of CPE.*
Is there flexibility in work hours?
*A: This role requires a set schedule of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, plus rotating weekends.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center serves as a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, providing cutting-edge medical, surgical, and psychiatric care. Chaplains here act as a bridge between clinical teams and the spiritual lives of those they serve.