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Associate Chaplain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Adventist Health Saint Helena is seeking an Associate Chaplain for a per-diem position with 8-hour day shifts. We are looking for a qualified and dedicated individual who is able to work onsite at ...

Chaplain - Associate Professional Chaplain (APC) within 3 years or * Chaplain - Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (ACPE) within 3 years or * CASC(C) - Canadian Assoc for Spiritual Care ...

Under the clinical supervision of the Certified Educator/Associate Educator, or Student Educator CPE, this position is precepted and mentored by assigned Sr. Chaplain/Chaplain in the provision of ...

Under the clinical supervision of the Certified Educator/Associate Educator, or Student Educator CPE, this position is precepted and mentored by assigned Sr. Chaplain/Chaplain in the provision of ...

Chaplain

Visalia, CA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

Gentiva provides associates with a comprehensive benefits and total rewards package, of which base ... If you are a compassionate Chaplain with experience in hospice spiritual care, we encourage you to ...

Chaplain - Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor Concord, CA Schedule: 3x8 Days, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ... Master's degree in Theological Studies or related field ACPE Certified Educator or ACPE Associate ...

Hospice Chaplain

Visalia, CA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

Gentiva provides associates with a comprehensive benefits and total rewards package, of which base ... If you are a compassionate Chaplain with experience in hospice spiritual care, we encourage you to ...

Hospice Chaplain

Visalia, CA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

Gentiva provides associates with a comprehensive benefits and total rewards package, of which base ... If you are a compassionate Chaplain with experience in hospice spiritual care, we encourage you to ...

Coordinates discharge plan and needed social service and/or chaplain services. Ensures planning to ... Associate degree or equivalent License/Certifications: Valid California RN license and Healthcare ...

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Associate Chaplain information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$62.8K

$96.7K

How much do associate chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate chaplain in California is $62,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do chaplain assistants make?

Chaplain assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. They often work in military, hospital, or institutional settings and may require security clearances or specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Chaplain, you need a background in theology or divinity, experience in pastoral care, and often an ordination or endorsement from a faith community. Familiarity with electronic medical records, crisis intervention protocols, and spiritual assessment tools is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for supporting individuals of diverse backgrounds during challenging times. These abilities ensure effective spiritual support and holistic care within healthcare or institutional settings.

What is the difference between Associate Chaplain vs Chaplain?

AspectAssociate ChaplainChaplain
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in theology or divinity, and ordination or certificationSimilar credentials, often with additional experience or higher certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, military, prisons, or educational institutionsHospitals, military, prisons, religious organizations, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageOften employed in larger organizations supporting chaplaincy servicesWidely used across various institutions providing spiritual care

Both Associate Chaplains and Chaplains require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they often work in comparable environments. The main difference lies in experience level and responsibilities, with Associate Chaplains typically serving in supporting roles while Chaplains hold more senior or independent positions.

How to become an associate chaplain?

To become an associate chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as theology, religious studies, or counseling, followed by relevant experience or internship in spiritual care. Many positions also require certification or ordination from a religious organization and strong interpersonal skills to provide support in various settings like hospitals, military, or prisons.

What does an associate chaplain do?

An associate chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and religious services within institutions such as hospitals, military units, or prisons. They assist senior chaplains, conduct religious ceremonies, and offer emotional support to individuals of diverse faiths, often requiring relevant certifications and interpersonal skills.

What are Associate Chaplains?

Associate Chaplains are trained professionals who provide spiritual care, guidance, and support in settings such as hospitals, universities, prisons, or the military. They work alongside lead chaplains and other staff to address the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. Their duties often include counseling, leading worship services, facilitating spiritual discussions, and offering crisis intervention. Associate Chaplains help create a compassionate, inclusive environment for those facing difficult situations.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain roles are often in healthcare, military, or corporate settings, with military chaplains typically earning higher salaries due to additional benefits and security clearances. Senior or specialized chaplains with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries, especially in federal or large institutional environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Chaplains in supporting diverse spiritual needs within an institution?

Associate Chaplains often serve individuals from a variety of religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. A common challenge is ensuring that each person's beliefs and practices are respected while providing appropriate support and resources. This requires strong listening skills, cultural competency, and flexibility in approach. Additionally, Associate Chaplains must navigate institutional policies and collaborate with other staff to create an inclusive environment for all faiths, which can be both rewarding and complex.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs in California? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Chaplain jobs in California? For Associate Chaplain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Chaplain jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Chaplain jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Associate Chaplain job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,754 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Associate Chaplain - Varied - Hillcrest

Associate Chaplain - Varied - Hillcrest

Scripps Health

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Scripps Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

This is a full-time, benefit eligible position located at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego in Hillcrest. This position is for 8 hour varied shifts depending on department needs. Must be available to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. Also, after hours on call at least once a year.

Why join Scripps Health?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

  • Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
  • Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
  • Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
  • Becker's Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2026 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
  • We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
  • Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

The Associate Chaplain will minister to the spiritual needs of patients families and staff under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Spiritual Care Services. The Chaplain Associate is a person of demonstrated spiritual integrity who empowers people to intergrate the experience of illness trauma and loss with their religious beliefs and spiritual values. The position requires the ability to interact with all faith dimensions lifestyles and socio economic levels with respect for the cultural and religious dignity of each persons traditions. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals and members of the community clergy is essention in providing a continuum of spiritual care in a multi-cultural environment of diverse traditions.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills: 

  • One or two years of Pastoral Ministry Experience. 
  • The individual needs to have experience with or training in psychology spirituality and theology. 
  • The Chaplain Associate is sensitive to the spiritual needs of the patients families and staff. 
  • The individual must be comfortable various denominations of Christianity and other faith traditions belief systems and life styles with respect for the cultural and religious dignity of each person. 
  • The Associate Chaplain must have basic knowledge of theological and Bio ethical issues. 
  • The Associate Chaplain must present a letter of endorsement from a clergy person of their own faith community.
  • Good written verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Candidate should have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience or training and completion of 1 unit Clinical Pastoral Education or 1 year of pastoral experience. 
  • Active participation in the Steven's Ministry Program could be substituted for the above.

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About Scripps Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a nationally recognized health system, Scripps Health is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Through collaboration and innovation, our healthcare professionals lead the frontier in caring for our community. With a culture centered around teamwork, each laboratory site serves as a resource of support for each other, setting our laboratories as the benchmark for standardization.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1924