Qualifications

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

• To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States
• 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 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
• Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Applicants must possess and maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement and must be dated within the past 12 months
• A complete list of Ecclesiastical Organizations that the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes as Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations is available here: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/chaplain/Ecclesiastical_Endorsement.asp Note: Current VA Chaplains do not have to get updated endorsements after they are hired
• Board Certification: Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain by the Board of Chaplaincy Certifications 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
• https://www.apchaplains.org/bcci-site/
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
• Chaplain, GS-12 Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify at the GS-12 level you must possess at least one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11)
• Specialty Certification: Specialty certification is demonstrated advanced practice and/or specialization in chaplaincy beyond the board certification
• You must possess a Specialty Certification from a professional chaplain certifying body that is directly related to the position being filled
• The list of Board Certifying Chaplain Organizations and Specialty Certifying Organization is located here: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/chaplain/Employment_Information_and_Resources.asp Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience and specialty certification requirements above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty
• Ability to integrate specialized psychological and sociological theory with an advanced approach to spiritual care
• Skill to seek out primary research and research literature that informs the ministry specialty and one's spiritual care practice
• Skill in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of chaplain practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and to design system changes
• Ability to mediate conflict, hold various emotions and diffuse moral distress among staff and complex crisis situations
• Ability to provide specialized consultation, teaching and mentoring to colleagues and students on advanced spiritual care interventions in the service delivery area
• Ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to write policies, procedures and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area
• Preferred Experience: Experienced in providing pastoral care in clinical and community settings, with a focus on veterans' issues
• Demonstrated leadership, public speaking, and counseling skills, with competence in engaging in a pluralistic environment
• Capable of collaborating with healthcare professionals and community organizations to deliver comprehensive spiritual care
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare policies, procedures, and practice guidelines
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This vacancy is above the full performance level
• Physical Requirements: This position requires the Chaplain to meaningfully engage with Veteran patients and family members by walking and moving within the healthcare setting, or by using an assistive device if needed
• The Chaplain must be able to speak, hear (hearing aid permitted), and work closely with others.