Chaplain (GS-09/11) - VA Boston Healthcare System

Are you a compassionate and dedicated spiritual leader seeking a meaningful career serving those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is actively recruiting for a Chaplain position at the VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide vital spiritual and pastoral care to Veterans, their families, and the dedicated staff within a leading healthcare facility. If you possess the required theological education, ecclesiastical endorsement, and a commitment to holistic care, we invite you to explore this rewarding career path.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VA's mission is to serve and honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare, benefits, and memorial services. The VA operates under core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE), fostering a culture of compassion and dedication. The VA offers endless career opportunities across a wide range of functions, promoting a healthy work-life balance with generous paid time off and flexible scheduling options.

Job Responsibilities

As a Chaplain at the VA Boston Healthcare System, you will serve as a primary resource and spiritual advisor, offering comprehensive religious and pastoral ministry services tailored to the diverse needs of Veteran patients, their families, and healthcare staff. Your duties will encompass a wide range of spiritual and emotional support functions:

• Leading Religious Services: Conduct and lead prayers, religious services, and worship for patients, families, staff, and the community, ensuring an atmosphere of respect and appropriate symbolism.
• Pastoral Counseling: Address the religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical concerns of patients and staff, providing individual and group counseling.
• Crisis Intervention: Offer immediate support and stabilization during spiritual crises.
• Patient Care: Conduct regular rounds, minister to patients in various conditions (critically ill, pre/post-operative), and provide support to families.
• Advance Care Planning: Educate, inform, and counsel patients and families on advance care planning, values clarification, life review, and end-of-life preparation.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serve as a fully integrated member of a multi-professional treatment team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and update patient care plans, offering informed advice to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Program Development: Develop measurable, outcome-driven, and evidence-based pastoral care programs, as well as programs focused on staff development and wellness.
• Education and Training: Educate and equip healthcare staff and trainees on screening for spiritual and religious needs and the importance of referrals.
• Community Coordination: Coordinate with community organizations and utilize external resources to meet patients' religious needs that cannot be met internally.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records and document all chaplaincy care services provided.
• Administration: Administer ordinances, rites, or sacraments as appropriate, and conduct funeral services when necessary.
• Spiritual Assessments: Perform spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs, addressing moral injuries and spiritual distress to enhance holistic treatment.

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States. Non-citizens may be considered if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• Education: A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational qualifications from a college, university, or theological school accredited by CHEA or ATS and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Educational equivalency reviews from a nationally recognized board certification body are also accepted.
• Ecclesiastical Endorsement: A current, full, and active ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months, from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's faith group or denomination is mandatory. This endorsement certifies the applicant's good standing and suitability for ministry in the VA's pluralistic setting.
• Board Certification: Applicants must be Board-Certified Chaplains by BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®. Certification requiring 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is qualifying. Provisional or Associate status does not meet this requirement.
• English Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Background Investigation: Successful completion of a background and/or security investigation is required.
• Onboarding and Identification: Completion of an online onboarding process and provision of acceptable identification are necessary.
• Physical Evaluation: Passing a pre-employment physical evaluation is mandatory.
• Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all VA Health Care Personnel.
• Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period may be required.

Note on Non-Board-Certified Chaplains: Applicants who do not have board certification but meet other eligibility requirements may be offered a temporary appointment (not to exceed 2 years) under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). These individuals must provide proof of 4 units of CPE and will work under the supervision of a certified chaplain. They may only be appointed at the entry level and must obtain board certification to be converted to a permanent position.

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-09 through GS-11 levels. The salary range is:

Grade	Minimum Annual Salary	Maximum Annual Salary
GS-09	$69,905	$90,877
GS-11	$85,701	$109,959

Note: These figures are based on the provided information and may be subject to locality adjustments.

Benefits

The VA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plan: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on balancing work and personal life with flexible scheduling options where possible.
• Loan Repayment Programs: Potential eligibility for programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

For more detailed information on VA benefits, please visit http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.

Application Process

To apply for this Chaplain position, follow these steps:

1. Create or Log In: Access your USAJOBS account. If you don't have one, create it at www.usajobs.gov.
2. Build Your Resume: Ensure your resume is detailed and includes all required information, such as job titles, duties, dates of employment (month/year), and hours worked per week.
3. Complete the Questionnaire: Fully answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire. You can preview it by clicking the provided link.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required documents, including your resume, ecclesiastical endorsement, and any other supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, DD-214 if claiming veteran's preference).
5. Submit Application: Click 'Submit My Answers' to finalize and submit your complete application package by the closing date of November 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Important: It is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the basic educational requirements for this Chaplain position? A1: Applicants must possess a Master of Divinity degree or an equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution. Equivalency reviews from a nationally recognized board certification body for chaplains are also accepted.

Q2: Is an ecclesiastical endorsement required? A2: Yes, a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months, from the official national endorsing authority of your faith group or denomination is a mandatory condition of employment.

Q3: Do I need to be board-certified to apply? A3: Board Certification by BCCI® or a U.S. certifying body with reciprocity is required for permanent appointments at GS-11 and above. Non-board-certified individuals may be offered a temporary appointment for up to 2 years, provided they meet other requirements and are supervised by a certified chaplain.

Q4: What is the grade range for this position? A4: The position is open for grades GS-09 through GS-11. The full performance level is GS-11.

Q5: What is the work schedule for this position? A5: The work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Q6: Are relocation or recruitment incentives available? A6: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Q7: What does 'Excepted Service' mean for this position? A7: This position is in the Excepted Service, meaning it does not confer competitive status. However, the VA is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities, to apply.

This Chaplain position at the VA Boston Healthcare System offers a profound opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our nation's Veterans through dedicated spiritual care. By joining the VA, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values its employees and the service they provide. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about ministry, we strongly encourage you to submit your application by the closing date. Make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country.