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Associate Chaplain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Chaplain information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$63K

$97.2K

How much do associate chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate chaplain in Virginia is $63,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $79,300.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Chaplain jobs in Virginia? For Associate Chaplain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Chaplain jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Chaplain jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Chaplain jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Chaplain job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Chaplain job openings in Virginia 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 $63,041 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Associate Chaplain

$68K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Associate Chaplain's primary responsibility is to provide for the pastoral care needs of residents in our Health Center and Catered (Assisted) Living. With the direction of the Manager of Spiritual Care Services, the Associate Chaplain will provide spiritual and emotional support to the residents in the care settings to include provision for their spiritual health and formation, worship, end of life, grief, crisis intervention, and visitation needs. The Associate Chaplain assists as needed in the coordination of pastoral and worship services across campus and acts as backup for the Manager of Spiritual Care Services. The Associate Chaplain will also be available to provide pastoral support to associates in the care settings which may include direction to other resources such as the EAP, HR, and/or the associate's personal clergy or spiritual leader.
 
The starting salary for this position is between $68,027 and $98,639 and will be determined based on years of experience.
Responsibilities
  • Responds to meet and offers to visit all new Health Care and Catered Living residents who transition from within the WCBR campus, and from the community. Provides pastoral visits as needed in area hospitals.
  • Offers and provide pastoral support to residents in care settings who are experiencing a health decline and /or receiving hospice care. Responds to offer support and maintain contact with the families and/or loved ones of these residents thru the end of life and bereavement process as appropriate.
  • Arranges or provides spiritual programming opportunities in the Health Center and Catered Living. This programming is to include but is not limited to bible studies and devotions.
  • Assists residents to be connected to /renewed in their spiritual belief system. As appropriate, facilitates connection to their place of worship and clergy/spiritual leader(s) in the community.
  • Participates in and contributes to the Care Plans of the residents in care settings, with respect to residents and family preferences. Communicates information essential to effective care planning and provision of spiritual and emotional needs to the Manager of Spiritual Care Services and other appropriate associates.
  • Provides Vespers services in the WCBR Chapel on Sunday afternoon. Assists in the planning and/or conducting of special worship services, especially surrounding major religious observances across the WCBR campus.
  • Coordinates, arranges and/or officiates memorial services, celebrations of life, and remembrance gatherings at WCBR.
Requirements
  • Master of Divinity or equivalent from an accredited seminary.
  • Must be ordained and in good standing with their respective denomination.
  • Must be able to administer Holy Communion and be well versed in preparing liturgies for worship and prayer services, while being sensitive to and able to respect and serve people of diverse faith traditions and belief systems.
  • A minimum of five years in a pastoral setting with an emphasis and some experience in long-term care, acute care, or hospice care.
  • Experience in a CCRC setting is preferred.  
Benefits Snapshot
  • Paid Time Off package
  • Education Program to offer financial assistance with education costs
  • Retirement Savings Plan with a company match
  • Discounted Meal while working
  • Paid Holidays
  • Free gym and pool access
  • Free parking
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
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