Become a Clinical Pastoral Educator at the VA

Are you a dedicated chaplain looking to transition into a leadership role where you can shape the next generation of spiritual caregivers? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a qualified Chaplain to join the Augusta Health Care System as a Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE). This is a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with educational leadership to serve the men and women who have defended our nation.

Key Responsibilities

As a CPE Educator, your role spans beyond traditional chaplaincy. You will:

Program Management: Oversee the CPE Center's daily operations, including curriculum development and accreditation maintenance.
Student Supervision: Mentor students in CPE Level 1 and 2, and provide guidance to those pursuing careers as educators.
Interdisciplinary Care: Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and social workers to integrate spiritual health into the broader treatment plan for Veterans.
Clinical Ministry: Provide advanced pastoral counseling for patients dealing with complex moral or end-of-life concerns.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree.
Certification: Board certification by the BCCI or equivalent, plus specific certification as a CPE Educator.
Endorsement: A current, valid ecclesiastical endorsement from your national faith group.
Proficiency: Fluency in English and the ability to pass physical and background screenings.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Requirement	Criteria
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Master of Divinity or Equivalent
Certification	Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCI or equivalent)
Experience	Directly related clinical education background

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement planning, and professional development opportunities.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly mention your experience with CPE accreditation standards.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcripts and ecclesiastical endorsements are current and easy to locate.
Quantify Results: Mention specific metrics, such as the number of students supervised or the success of the programs you have managed.

Serving as a CPE Educator within the VA is more than just a job; it is a calling to nurture the spiritual wellbeing of our Veterans and the professionals who care for them. If you possess the leadership and faith-based background required, apply today to start your journey with the VA Augusta team.

Why This Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) Job Matters

Shape the future of pastoral care. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Clinical Pastoral Educator and lead the next generation of spiritual healthcare providers.

Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chaplain to serve as a Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE) at the VA Augusta Health Care System in Georgia. In this vital role, you will lead the CPE Center, providing specialized training, spiritual guidance, and clinical supervision to students, while ensuring the delivery of compassionate, holistic care to our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed under specific conditions).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and active ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized national faith group.
Board-Certified Chaplain status via BCCI or an equivalent recognized certifying body.
Certification as a CPE Educator by an agency recognized by BCCI or an equivalent U.S. body.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator)

Certification by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) or a similar VA-approved body.
Extensive experience providing educational supervision for CPE Level 1 and Level 2 students.
Documented experience mentoring students pursuing CPE Educator certification.
Strong proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) documentation and Joint Commission standards.
Demonstrated history of curriculum development and administrative management of clinical education programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance packages.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth within the VHA.
✓Supportive, interdisciplinary clinical work environment.

💡 How to Apply Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS and prepare your long-form resume.
Review the full job questionnaire to ensure you meet the specific competencies.
Gather supporting documents, including transcripts, ecclesiastical endorsements, and certifications.
Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and maps your experience directly to the 'Specialized Experience' requirements.
Double-check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last 12 months.
Clearly highlight your experience in managing CPE accreditation standards and student portfolios.
Be specific regarding your volunteer and non-paid ministry experience if it relates to clinical pastoral care.
Save a copy of your application package for your records after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a CPE Educator in the VA?

A CPE Educator manages the daily operations of the CPE Center, designs evidence-based pastoral curricula, supervises students in clinical settings, and serves as a spiritual advisor to patients, staff, and trainees.

Is a Master of Divinity required?

Yes, or an equivalent graduate-level theological degree. If you lack this specific degree, you must provide an approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized board certification body.

Can I apply if I am not currently a VA employee?

This position is listed for internal agency candidates; please review the 'Area of Consideration' section carefully to determine your eligibility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional, compassionate, and holistic care. Chaplains at the VA are integral members of interdisciplinary treatment teams, providing essential spiritual care to Veterans, their families, and our healthcare staff.