Serving Those Who Served: Chaplain Opportunities at the San Diego VA

Becoming a Chaplain within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a profound calling. It represents more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing spiritual comfort, emotional resilience, and pastoral guidance to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. The San Diego VA Healthcare System is currently seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to join their pastoral care team.

Job Responsibilities

As a VA Chaplain, you will serve as a spiritual advisor and a cornerstone of support for patients in various clinical environments. Key duties include:

Providing comprehensive religious ministry and pastoral counseling.
Leading prayers, religious services, and sacramental practices.
Offering emotional support during medical crises, terminal diagnoses, or end-of-life care.
Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and social workers to integrate spiritual care into treatment plans.
Conducting hospital rounds to visit critically ill patients and their families.

Requirements

To maintain the high standards of care our Veterans deserve, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:

Educational Background: Master of Divinity or an equivalent graduate degree from an accredited institution.
Endorsement: A current, active ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized national faith group.
Certification: Board Certification (BCCI) or equivalent.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Vaccinations: Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position is open at the GS-9 and GS-11 levels, with an annual salary range of $70,507 to $110,905. Salary placement is determined by experience, qualifications, and the specific grade level for which you are selected.

Level	Focus	Experience Requirement
GS-9	Entry/Developmental	Meets basic requirements
GS-11	Full Performance	1 year of specialized experience

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and insurance coverage.
Federal retirement plans.
Annual leave accrual based on prior federal service.
The privilege of serving a community that is deeply appreciative of your work.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume clearly maps your experience to the KSAs listed in the vacancy announcement.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last 12 months.
Stay Organized: Use the USAJOBS document tracker to ensure no required attachments—such as transcripts or SF-50s—are left out.

If you are a spiritual leader with a passion for healthcare ministry, the San Diego VA Healthcare System offers a unique platform to touch lives daily. Review the application requirements today and consider taking this step to support our Veterans.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Provide compassionate spiritual guidance to those who served. Join the VA San Diego healthcare team as a Chaplain and make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Chaplain to serve the San Diego VA Healthcare System. In this role, you will provide comprehensive spiritual and religious ministry, pastoral counseling, and emotional support to Veterans, their families, and staff. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will address the spiritual, moral, and ethical needs of our patients in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Requirements for Chaplain

U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by VA policy).
Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution.
Full and active ecclesiastical endorsement from a national endorsing body (dated within the last 12 months).
Board-Certified Chaplain status (BCCI or equivalent).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Minimum of one year of experience in a healthcare facility setting.
Demonstrated experience providing pastoral care across diverse faith traditions.
Experience administering sacraments, last rites, and liturgical services.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunity to contribute to a comprehensive Whole Health model of care.
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave based on federal service.
✓Professional development and support within a multidisciplinary team.
✓Access to a range of federal retirement and insurance programs.

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS if you do not have one.
Gather your resume, transcripts, ecclesiastical endorsement, and board certification documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level.
Clearly label your ecclesiastical endorsement and ensure it is current.
Verify your educational credentials and have foreign equivalency certificates ready if applicable.
Double-check that your application package includes all required documents before hitting submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am not yet Board-Certified?

Non-Board-Certified applicants may be eligible for a temporary appointment of up to two years, provided they meet educational requirements, possess the necessary CPE units, and work under the supervision of a certified Chaplain.

Is this position full-time?

This position is intermittent, with estimated hours ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week, depending on the needs of the service.

Are there opportunities for non-Board-Certified chaplains?

Yes, under certain conditions, non-board-certified chaplains can be hired on a temporary two-year appointment while working toward full certification.

Is travel required?

This position is primarily based within the San Diego facility and does not involve significant travel.

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 VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network advocates for a "Whole Health" system of care, moving beyond the traditional reactive medical model to a partnership-based approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every Veteran.