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Associate Chaplain Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Receiving Dock

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$20.15/hr

Chaplain Services on campus Safety Sensitive position - subject to drug and alcohol testing. Please apply online to be considered for this position. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity ...

Chaplain Services on campus Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For reasonable accommodation of disability during the hiring process call (800) 200-1494.

Associate Chaplain information

See Oklahoma salary details

$26.8K

$58.7K

$90.5K

How much do associate chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate chaplain in Oklahoma is $58,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,800.00 and $73,900.00 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 Oklahoma? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Oklahoma are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Chaplain jobs in Oklahoma? For Associate Chaplain jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Associate Chaplain jobs? Cities in Oklahoma with the most Associate Chaplain job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Chaplain job openings in Oklahoma as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,712 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Oklahoma City, OK

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Serves as a Chaplain Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE) performing senior-level clinical assignments for the VHA. The incumbent provides comprehensive religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to all persons that are commensurate with the needs, desires, and voluntary consent of the Veteran, caregiver, or staff. The incumbent addresses 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.
Qualifications:Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
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.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. Applicants must possess a 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) or Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: For applicants who do not possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational degree, an approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized board certification body for chaplains (see paragraph d) is acceptable.
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement. In accordance with 38 C.F.R. 17.655, ecclesiastical endorsement is a condition of employment as a VA chaplain. An individual must possess and maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement to be employed as a VA chaplain. Applicants must have an ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months. Ecclesiastical endorsements must be from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's/employee's faith group or denomination. Ecclesiastical endorsement is a written official statement, by the official national endorsing body of the faith group or denomination, certifying that the applicant is in good standing with the applicant's faith group or denomination; and stating that the individual is, in the opinion of the endorsing body, qualified to perform the full range of ministry required in the VA pluralistic setting. Loss of endorsement will result in removal from the GS-0060 Chaplain series and may result in termination of employment.
  • Board Certification.
    • Certification. Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI . Board Certification that requires 4 units of CPE is qualifying. Note: Provisional or Associate or other status as a candidate for board certification does not meet the board certification requirement for the FPL GS-11 or above
Grade Determinations:
  • Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator), GS-12.
    • Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
    • Certification. CPE Educators must be certified by an agency whose CPE units of training are recognized by the BCCI or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI . CPE Educators must be certified by the same accrediting body as the CPE training program where the position is being filled for the CPE training program to maintain accreditation.
    • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • (a) Ability to independently educate all levels of CPE students and plan, organize, and implement all levels of the CPE program.
      • (b) Skill in adhering to all accreditation standards, processes and practices including, but not limited to, timely and professional submission of all required program reports, center portfolio, fees and dues.
      • (c) Skill in written and verbal communication that are articulate, professional and cohesive.
      • (d) Ability to recruit, interview and select students for the CPE program.
      • (e) Knowledge of professional ethics for certified educators and history of CPE.
      • (f) Ability to apply theoretical understanding for and competence in administering and conducting all levels of CPE programs.
      • (g) Knowledge of emerging trends and research in the area of pastoral education.
      • (h) Knowledge of various conceptual frameworks for developing educational curriculum.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
This vacancy is above the full performance at GS-12.
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 with the
incumbent using an assistive device. The Chaplain is required to speak, hear (hearing aid permitted) and work closely with others.Education: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/.Employment Type: OTHER