Providing Spiritual Care: Chaplain Opportunities at the VA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to blend your ministry experience with clinical care? The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Chaplain. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide holistic support to our nation’s Veterans, ensuring they receive the spiritual guidance and emotional care they deserve during their most critical moments.
Job Responsibilities
As a VA Chaplain, you will be a primary spiritual resource and advisor. Your core responsibilities include:
- Spiritual Counseling: Providing support for medical and ethical issues, terminal diagnoses, moral injury, and family crises.
- Religious Services: Leading worship, performing rites/sacraments, and delivering sermons.
- Clinical Integration: Serving as a key member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to create spiritual care plans.
- Program Development: Creating evidence-based pastoral programs to support staff wellness and patient care.
- Crisis Intervention: Delivering immediate spiritual stabilization for patients and families in high-stress situations.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree.
- Hold a current ecclesiastical endorsement (dated within the last 12 months).
- Be a Board-Certified Chaplain or be eligible to work toward certification within two years.
- Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
Salary and Grade Overview
This position is categorized under the GS scale. The full performance level for this role is GS-11, with selections typically made in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. The current annual salary range for this location is $74,678 to $97,087.
| Position Level | Role Focus | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | Entry/Developmental | Working toward full Board Certification |
| GS-11 | Full Performance | Independent spiritual care & team leadership |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings plans (FERS).
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
Application Tips
- Submit All Documentation: Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is current. Missing or outdated documents are a primary cause of disqualification.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly describe your relevant volunteer and professional work in your resume.
- Review Your Qualifications: If you possess foreign education, ensure you have an NACES-approved equivalency report.
If you are a Chaplain with a heart for the Veteran community and the desire to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply. This role offers not just a career, but a chance to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served. Prepare your documentation and submit your application today.
Why This Chaplain Job Matters
Provide compassionate spiritual guidance to America's heroes in beautiful Walla Walla, Washington.
Chaplain Job Overview
The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Chaplain to provide comprehensive religious and spiritual ministry to Veterans, their families, and our healthcare staff. In this role, you will serve as a vital member of a multidisciplinary clinical team, ensuring that patients receive holistic support that honors their diverse backgrounds and specific spiritual needs.
Requirements for Chaplain
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution
- Current, full, and active ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the last 12 months
- Board Certification from BCCI or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain
- Prior professional experience working with the Veteran population
- Demonstrated ability to develop outcome-driven, evidence-based pastoral care programs
- Proven skill in providing counseling for complex medical, ethical, and crisis situations
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Service credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior experience
- ✓Supportive work environment within a multidisciplinary clinical team
💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chaplain Job
- Create a profile on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare your long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Obtain and attach your official ecclesiastical endorsement (within the last 12 months).
- Collect your official transcripts and proof of Board Certification.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all supporting documents including DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your final application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume, as HR cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.
- Include both paid and unpaid/volunteer experience to highlight relevant skills.
- Double-check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current (dated within the last 12 months).
- If using foreign education, ensure you have a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency attached.
- Monitor your email for status updates throughout the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational requirement for this position?
Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity or an equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an institution accredited by a member of the CHEA or ATS.
Is Board Certification mandatory?
Yes, applicants must be Board Certified by the BCCI or an equivalent certifying body. Non-Board-Certified candidates may be considered for a temporary appointment of up to 2 years while actively working toward certification.
What does the ecclesiastical endorsement entail?
It is a written certification from your national faith group authority stating you are in good standing and qualified to perform ministry in a pluralistic VA setting.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: No, this position is open to the public; however, veterans' preference is applicable for eligible applicants.*
Can I work remotely?
*A: No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence at the Walla Walla medical facility.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. Our culture is defined by our "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Located in the beautiful town of Walla Walla, known for its friendly community and acclaimed wine industry, the VA Medical Center provides a supportive environment where your work directly impacts those who have sacrificed for our country.