Supervisory Chaplain

Overview

This position is located at the Louis

A. Johnson VA Medical Center (VAMC) within the Chaplain Service. The Chaplain Service provides pastoral counseling and treatment to Veteran patients, their families, and staff in inpatient and outpatient settings. Supervisory Chaplains address the spiritual component of health and wellness in every patient care setting to ensure that pastoral care is fully integrated into all aspects of chaplain services.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency:
  Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Education:
  
  Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational qualifications as evidenced by a graduate-level theological degree from a CHEA- or ATS-accredited college/university/theological school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• NOTE:
  
  For applicants who do not possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational degree may meet this requirement with an approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized board certification body for chaplains
• Endorsement:
  Applicants must possess and maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the past 12 months
• A complete list of Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations is available here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..asp
  
  Note:
  
  Current VA Chaplains do not have to update endorsements after hire
• Certification:
  Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc (BCCI) or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI
• Board Certification that requires four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is qualifying
• Exception for Non-Board-Certified Chaplains (GS-9 Entry-Level Only):
  Temporary appointment not to exceed two years if they meet all other eligibility requirements and provide proof of completion of four units of CPE
• Grade Determinations:
  Supervisory Chaplain GS-0060-13;
  Specialty certification related to assignment; demonstrated advanced practice in chaplaincy
• Experience:
  
  In addition to meeting the basic requirements, at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12), including supervision and management of chaplaincy service operations
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Ability to engage with Veterans and families; walking/moving in healthcare settings; speaking and hearing (hearing aid permitted)

• Provide comprehensive religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Veterans, caregivers, families, and staff according to needs and voluntary consent
• Address the spiritual component of health and wellness in every patient care setting to ensure pastoral care is integrated into chaplain services
• Provide guidance and advice to Chaplain Service management, other Chaplains, and stakeholders
• Supervise the chaplaincy program of a major faith ministry integrated into VHA's Chaplain program
• Manage and supervise the full spectrum of chaplaincy service operations including clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management, and supervision
• Oversee religious and spiritual care and provide counsel to facility leadership on religious expression
• Oversee administrative functions of the department including budget management, policy development, clinical practice standards, service programming, performance metrics, planning, and organizational development; ensure compliance with agency and accreditation requirements
• Assess spiritual and religious needs of the organization and patients
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): administrative, personnel, and resource management and strategic planning for chaplaincy and chaplain pastoral education programs
• Provide full supervisory duties including assignment of work, performance evaluations, staff selection, and recommendations for awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions
• Maintain interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution; collaborate with managers from other departments
• Develop local policy, productivity, and clinical practice standards
• Align chaplaincy services with facility, VISN, and VHA goals; ensure compliance with chaplaincy practice and accreditation standards
• Assignment: spend 25% or more of time providing administrative and technical supervision and performing major duties of significant scope
• Supervise chaplaincy staff (GS-12 and below) and oversee chaplaincy practice and administrative functions
• Ensure free exercise of religion and protect against proselytizing; maintain chapel space and resources
• Assess spiritual needs through partnerships with community religious leaders and organizations
• Reference: VA Qualification Standards information…