Serving Those Who Served: Chaplain Opportunity at West Palm Beach VA

The role of a Chaplain within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is more than just a job; it is a calling to serve those who have sacrificed for our nation. We are currently looking for a compassionate and experienced Chaplain (GS-12) to join our team at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. If you are passionate about providing holistic spiritual care, emotional support, and pastoral guidance in a fast-paced clinical environment, this role offers a unique opportunity to integrate your ministry with interdisciplinary medical care.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-12 Chaplain, your primary responsibility is to provide comprehensive spiritual and pastoral care. Your daily duties will include:

Spiritual Assessment: Developing and implementing pastoral care plans for Veterans across diverse faith backgrounds.
Crisis Intervention: Offering support during times of trauma, terminal illness, grief, and end-of-life decision-making.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside doctors, nurses, and social workers to ensure spiritual health is treated as a component of overall patient recovery.
Religious Services: Conducting sacraments, memorial services, and worship activities.
Staff Support: Providing wellness initiatives and counseling to medical staff facing high-stress situations.

Comparison Table: Chaplaincy Requirements

Requirement	Description
Education	Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree.
Certification	Board Certification (BCCI) or recognized equivalent.
CPE	4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (accredited).
Endorsement	Current, active ecclesiastical endorsement (within 12 months).

Requirements

Applicants must meet specific educational and certification standards to qualify for this GS-12 position. You must hold a degree from an accredited institution and possess a current ecclesiastical endorsement from your faith group. Professional board certification is mandatory for this grade level. Additionally, all applicants must pass a pre-employment physical and background check, and comply with VA healthcare personnel vaccination requirements.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 level, offering a salary range of $95,326 to $123,927 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scale regulations.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Exceptional health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual rates.
Professional growth through VA-sponsored educational opportunities.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume highlights your clinical experience and specialized theological training. Clearly document your unit completion for CPE and attach all required proof of board certification. Because we cannot make assumptions about your experience, please provide concrete examples of how your previous ministry work helped improve patient outcomes or supported staff resilience.

If you are ready to use your skills in spiritual care to honor America’s Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application today. Join us in the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System and help us deliver exceptional, compassionate care that touches the hearts and minds of those who have served.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Provide holistic spiritual care and compassionate ministry to the Veterans who served our nation at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Chaplain (GS-12) to serve at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. In this pivotal role, you will act as a vital member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, offering emotional and spiritual support to Veterans, their families, and staff. You will work in various settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs, ensuring that the religious and spiritual needs of our Veterans are fully respected and integrated into their overall healthcare experience.

Requirements for Chaplain

Must be a U.S. Citizen (with limited exceptions).
Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution.
Completion of four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an accredited center.
Possession of a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement (dated within the last 12 months).
Board-Certified Chaplain status via the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) or a recognized certifying body.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Specialty certification in chaplaincy beyond base board certification.
Demonstrated ability to apply advanced theological theories and methodologies in a clinical setting.
Proven experience in developing staff education, resiliency programs, and wellness initiatives.
Advanced mediation skills to navigate complex crisis situations and staff moral distress.
Capacity to contribute to policy writing and practice guidelines for spiritual care services.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement savings (TSP) and pension programs.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
✓Work-life balance with dedicated scheduling.

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare your resume, ecclesiastical endorsement, proof of board certification, and academic transcripts.
Complete the occupational questionnaire provided via the online application link.
Upload all required documentation, including DD-214 if claiming Veterans' Preference.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 12, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your previous experience meets the GS-12 requirements.
Double-check that your ecclesiastical endorsement is current and dated within the last 12 months.
When submitting transcripts, ensure they are from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding your application status after the closing date.
Review your submitted documents for legibility to avoid delays in the verification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Master of Divinity degree?

Yes, a Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited school is a basic requirement, though equivalency reviews from recognized bodies may be considered.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The position operates Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring active engagement with patients in healthcare settings.

What is the deadline to apply?

All application materials must be received by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 12, 2026.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served our country and their families. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is a cornerstone of the Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), providing comprehensive health services across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. From inpatient hospital care to specialized post-combat trauma clinics, our facility is committed to a Whole Health approach that prioritizes the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of every Veteran.