Serving Those Who Served: Chaplain Opportunity at Amarillo VA

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is currently seeking a compassionate, board-certified Chaplain to join our clinical team. This role is not merely a position; it is a calling to provide essential spiritual and pastoral support to those who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are an experienced chaplain dedicated to holistic care, we invite you to apply.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Chaplain (GS-12), your primary responsibilities will include:

Clinical Pastoral Care: Providing intensive counseling to Veterans facing moral, ethical, and existential crises.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as a core member of healthcare teams alongside physicians, social workers, and psychologists.
Program Development: Designing outcome-driven spiritual care programs that address specific clinical needs such as mental health, hospice, and palliative care.
Staff Support: Acting as a resource for staff resiliency and moral distress management.

Comparison of Chaplain Roles

Feature	Routine Chaplaincy	Senior Chaplain (GS-12)
Scope	General Ministry	Specialized Clinical Focus
Autonomy	Supervised	Independent Implementation
Scope of Impact	Individual Patients	System-Wide Policy/Programs

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: Graduate-level theology degree (e.g., M.Div) from an accredited institution.
Endorsement: A current, valid ecclesiastical endorsement.
Certification: Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCI) status.
Experience: Minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.

Salary and Benefits

This GS-12 position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362. Beyond the salary, the VA provides a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, generous leave policies, and a stable federal retirement plan.

Application Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the clinical duties listed in the announcement. Do not leave room for assumptions. Always verify that your documentation, especially your ecclesiastical endorsement, is signed and dated within the last 12 months.

Serving as a VA Chaplain in Amarillo offers a unique blend of professional challenge and deep personal fulfillment. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to support the spiritual well-being of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply by November 13, 2026.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Make a profound difference in the lives of those who served by providing expert, compassionate spiritual care at the Amarillo VA Health Care System.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Chaplain (GS-12) to serve as a vital member of our interdisciplinary healthcare team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive spiritual, religious, and pastoral counseling to Veterans, their families, and our staff. You will work within a variety of settings—including mental health, hospice, palliative care, and surgical units—to ensure that the spiritual components of health and wellness are fully integrated into our patients' treatment plans. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior-level clinical ministry in a supportive, community-oriented environment in Amarillo, Texas.

Requirements for Chaplain

U.S. Citizenship
Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution
Board-certified Chaplain status via BCCI or a recognized certifying body
Current and active ecclesiastical endorsement (dated within the last 12 months)
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Successful completion of a background and security investigation
Completion of the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program
Minimum of one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 level

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Board Certified Mental Health Specialty Certification through NAVAC
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse interdisciplinary medical teams
Experience in providing spiritual care across varied cultures, ages, and ethnic backgrounds
Proven expertise in evidence-based spiritual care program development
Advanced clinical pastoral experience in specialized settings like cancer care, hospice, or substance abuse

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Federal retirement pension plan (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching
✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities
✓Low cost of living and no state income tax in Texas

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a long-form resume or CV detailing your chaplaincy experience.
Gather supporting documents, including your ecclesiastical endorsement, board certification, and academic transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your application and all required documents by the closing date of November 13, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Describe your experience in clinical terms, highlighting your role within interdisciplinary teams.
Include all required documentation; missing items like current endorsements can result in disqualification.
Review your resume for clarity—VA hiring managers cannot make assumptions about your previous duties.
Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.
If you are a veteran, ensure you claim your preference correctly and provide your DD-214.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Master of Divinity to apply?

Yes, generally a Master of Divinity or an equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited school is required. Equivalency reviews by recognized boards may be accepted in specific cases.

What is the primary work schedule for this position?

The position is a full-time role scheduled from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available depending on the needs of the service.

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 the military and their families. At the Amarillo VA, you will find a collaborative culture that values interdisciplinary teamwork, innovation, and, above all, respect for the diverse spiritual needs of our Veterans.