Chaplain

Summary

The Chaplain of the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (TXVCBHCS) has full responsibility for providing comprehensive religious, spiritual, and pastoral care in accordance with VHA guidelines. The incumbent addresses the spiritual component of health and wellness and ensures pastoral care is fully integrated and based on the needs, desires, and voluntary consent of the Veteran, caregiver, or staff.

Duties

The Chaplain: provides pastoral ministry to patients with respect to the patient's faith group, including conscientious attention during emergencies and crises. builds strong interpersonal relationships with patients and ensures all patients are provided opportunities for the free exercise of religion. ensures Veterans are protected from proselytizing and coercing from any source. provides leadership, direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education programs. addresses the religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical problems of patients and staff. provides effective counseling services to patients and staff. provides face to face services and establishes a physical presence in clinics, as assigned, throughout the health care system. provides a well-rounded religious ministry; participates in the total care program of the medical center with other professional and para-professional staff members and services interprets the purpose and mission of TXVCBHCS, as appropriate, to the religious and civic communities. serves at a facility in clinical settings where there is limited access to onsite supervision such as small health care systems, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, other Federal agencies or satellite outpatient clinics. practices in a specialized program area that may include intensive and extended pastoral counseling as an integral part of the treatment program for patients facing complex moral, ethical, or spiritual problems. may be assigned administrative responsibility for program development and implementation and is accountable for clinical program effectiveness and modification of service patterns, which may include research and leadership of clinical teams. operates with full understanding of the relationship of chaplaincy services to institutional objectives, integrating these services within the broader healthcare system and supporting equitable access to high-quality care for Veterans. provides leadership, staff development, and training for assigned chaplain staff. provides guidance and religious instruction, as appropriate, to individuals or groups; arranges for and conducts regular weekly religious worship services and, may, as appropriate, for those unable to attend regular chapel services. devotes time to the pastoral counseling of individual patients, seeking the solution of personal problems and to the needs of patients' families, especially in times of crisis. understands other religions or denominations. conducts religious services and worship; establishes periods for public worship, seasonal and occasional services, and individual devotions; administering ordinances, rites or sacraments; preparing and delivering sermons; arranging for the atmosphere and symbolism of worship; and conducting funeral services when needed. provides religious instruction for patients by various means, such as individual or group discussions, Bible classes, instructional classes, broadcasts, films, and tutoring for courses completed by correspondence and via telehealth modalities. fully participates, as appropriate, as a member of treatment team(s) to develop and address spiritual needs of Veterans utilizing medical and behavioral health services to include co-leading and/or independently leading groups on topics such as moral injury, traumatic growth, etc. as well as individual work with referred Veterans. participates in the Whole Health Program to inform and implement spiritual aspects of the Whole Health Model across and within all health care system facilities. conducts spiritual assessments to identify patients' strengths and needs. creates plans for care in response to the moral injuries and spiritual distress of patients that enhance the Holistic Treatment of Veteran patients. develops and implements a tele-chaplaincy program in order to provide Veterans across all health care system locations access to Chaplain services. conducts personal visits with medical facility patients in the course of regular routine rounds through the clinics of the health care system, by special visits, and interviews, or on the basis of requests and referral. Such visits involve ritual administration of sacraments, or pastoral counseling. conducts pastoral interviews with patients to ascertain their religious backgrounds, evaluate religious needs, and provides advice regarding the availability of chaplain services. serves as spiritual counselor to patients and their families on ethical and moral matters, including problems of conscience and family and marital differences. Duties are continued in the benefits section. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 56267-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. A valid driver's license is required A pre-placement examination will be required to determine if the incumbent can safely operate a government vehicle. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Education

Preferred Experience: -Experience providing pastoral care in a healthcare setting, especially with Veterans or in a multi-disciplinary team environment. - Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and implement staff training, wellness, or resiliency programs. - Experience with tele-chaplaincy or delivering spiritual care via remote modalities. - Experience in specialized program areas such as PTSD, moral injury, suicide prevention, hospice/palliative care, mental health, substance abuse, or grief and bereavement. - Experience conducting spiritual assessments and creating care plans for patients facing complex moral, ethical, or spiritual challenges. - Experience with community outreach, partnership building, or program development to expand access to chaplaincy services. - Experience providing spiritual counseling to patients and families during medical crises, including end-of-life care. - Experience working with diverse faith groups and ensuring equitable access to religious/spiritual care. - Advanced proficiency in pastoral counseling techniques, especially for patients facing trauma, moral injury, or complex ethical dilemmas. - Demonstrated leadership in developing and evaluating outcome-driven pastoral care programs. - Skill in integrating spiritual care within Whole Health or holistic treatment models. - Ability to independently develop and implement new chaplaincy programs or curricula. - Proficiency in using electronic health records and office automation tools for documentation and communication. - Experience supervising volunteers or chaplain staff, including program effectiveness and modification. - Ability to conduct spiritual care outreach and build partnerships with community organizations. - Skill in providing spiritual support for staff resiliency and wellness initiatives. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Education: Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational qualifications as evidenced by a graduate-level theological degree from a college, university or theological school accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (https://www.chea.org/) or Association of Theological Schools (ATS) (https://www.ats.edu/) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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. This would include the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by a member of the CHEA or ATS (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CHEA or ATS websites above, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Duties Continued: offers spiritual consolation, support and guidance to those looking to solution of personal problems in adjustment to their illness or confinement. addresses the fears that patients have when facing surgery or outpatient procedures. answers patients' questions regarding the meaning of life when they are confronted with the reality of illness, pain, permanent disfigurement, crippling, or death. counsels patients with long-term illnesses, especially those who need aid in developing and maintaining patience, perseverance, and determination. maintains contact with medical staff, psychologists, nurses, social workers, therapists, or others involved to exchange of information relative to the background and current condition of patients; participates in consultative discussions or conferences to evaluate patient progress and recommend care approaches; and offers informed advice on integrating religious understanding with other professional services to achieve therapeutic goals. develops measurable, outcome-driven, and evidence-based pastoral care; and creates staff development and wellness programs. supports the development of staff resiliency by providing emotional and spiritual support and compassionate presence. establishes and maintains contacts with the families of patients, with local pastors, church groups, and community organizations to strengthen patients' support systems and serves as a communication link between patients, the facility, and the broader community. plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates ongoing community outreach efforts, ensuring sustained engagement with community partners, expansion of support networks for Veterans, and increased awareness and accessibility of chaplaincy services throughout the service area. provides the spiritual dimensions of specialized programs such as PTSD and moral injury, MST, Suicide Prevention, Veteran Homelessness, Hospice and Palliative Care, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Grief and Bereavement, Polytrauma, Health Care Ethics, Patient Rehabilitation and Recovery, and Conflict Resolution and Mediation. Duties are continued in the Additional Information Section.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13087986. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) BCCI Cert OR Cert from Body (with BCCI Reciprocity Agreement) Ecclesiastic Endorsement Specialty Certification PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Duties Continued: initiates outreach to community groups and organizations to enhance understanding of spiritual care in the medical setting and to support collaboration in addressing Veteran needs. initiates required action to provide for and maintain ecclesiastical facilities, equipment and supplies; evaluates and supervises volunteers; arranges for religious materials; maintains records of ministry; and participates in staff orientation programs by interpreting the objectives of the religious program. completes various complex Chaplain related administrative assignments, projects, and reports; and independently develops and implements programs and curricula.