Providing Spiritual Healing: The Role of a VA Chaplain
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to those who have served our country. A critical, yet often overlooked, component of this care is spiritual support. We are currently seeking a qualified Chaplain to join our team in Leeds, Massachusetts, to offer ministry, counseling, and guidance to Veterans and their families during their journey toward healing.
Job Responsibilities
As a Fee Basis Chaplain, you will serve as a spiritual advisor and primary point of contact for patients. Your duties will include:
- Conducting religious services and worship for diverse faith groups.
- Offering bedside ministry to the critically ill and those facing post-operative recovery.
- Providing crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and social workers, to create holistic care plans.
- Educating patients on advance care planning and documenting their values.
Requirements
This position requires a deep commitment to spiritual service and clinical excellence. Candidates must hold a Master of Divinity (or equivalent), possess an active ecclesiastical endorsement, and hold current board certification as a chaplain. Proficiency in English and a valid driver's license are mandatory.
Salary and Scheduling
This is a fee-for-service role, offering a rate of $40 per hour for services provided, such as individual counseling, group sessions, and clinical ministry.
Compensation Table
| Service Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| General Assessment | $40/hr |
| Individual Counseling | $40/hr |
| Group Counseling | $40/hr |
| Hospice Service (per 15 min) | $40/hr |
Benefits
While this is an intermittent, fee-basis position, it provides the unique benefit of serving the Veteran population in a state-of-the-art facility. Employees enjoy flexible scheduling, professional growth opportunities, and the immense personal fulfillment that comes from ministering to those in need.
Application Tips
To be successful, ensure your application package includes a current (within 12 months) ecclesiastical endorsement and a detailed resume. Emphasize your clinical pastoral experience and any work done with Veterans or in hospital settings.
Serving as a VA Chaplain is more than a job; it is a calling. If you are ready to use your gifts to support Veterans in Leeds, Massachusetts, we encourage you to submit your application and join our mission of care.
Why This Chaplain (Fee Basis) Job Matters
Bring your spiritual leadership to the Veterans who need it most. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Fee Basis Chaplain and provide essential comfort, guidance, and ministry in Leeds, Massachusetts.
Chaplain (Fee Basis) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a compassionate, dedicated Chaplain to serve at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Medical Facility. This is a fee-for-service, intermittent position where you will offer holistic spiritual care, emotional support, and religious services to Veterans, their families, and our healthcare staff. Your ministry will be central to our mission of providing whole-health care to those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Chaplain (Fee Basis)
- United States Citizenship.
- Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and active ecclesiastical endorsement from your national faith group or denomination dated within the last 12 months.
- Board certification by BCCI or an equivalent recognized certifying body.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain (Fee Basis)
- Prior experience working with Veterans in in-patient or out-patient settings.
- Ability to administer the Sacrament of the Sick.
- Adaptability to work across diverse clinical environments, including small healthcare systems or Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.
- Proven experience in developing outcome-driven pastoral care programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Generous paid time off
- âś“Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities
- âś“Opportunity to serve in the nation's largest integrated healthcare system
- âś“Professional development and collaborative clinical environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Chaplain (Fee Basis) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chaplain (Fee Basis) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full position questionnaire to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare your long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Gather your ecclesiastical endorsement, board certification proof, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your application package, including all required documentation, through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates regarding your application and potential interview invitations.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not rely on assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last 12 months.
- Highlight volunteer experience, as it is credited as relevant experience.
- Double-check that all required documents are uploaded to prevent disqualification.
- Preview the questionnaire early to ensure you have all necessary information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Fee Basis' mean for this position?
This is an intermittent appointment where you are compensated based on services rendered rather than a fixed annual salary. Work is assigned on an as-needed basis.
Can I apply if I am not yet Board Certified?
Non-board-certified applicants may be given a temporary appointment for up to two years, provided they meet specific requirements and commit to obtaining certification while in the role.
What is the primary mission of a VA Chaplain?
The primary mission is to provide comprehensive spiritual and pastoral care to Veterans and their families, addressing their emotional and existential needs within a pluralistic healthcare environment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation. Operating under the 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA provides holistic care that extends beyond physical health. By joining our team, you become part of a network committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our heroes.