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Associate Chaplain Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Sentara CarePlex Hospital, in Hampton, VA, is currently hiring a Chaplain. This will be a ... For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following ...

The Chaplain provides spiritual support and bereavement counseling support to the patient's and/or ... For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following ...

Associate Chaplain information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$27.6K

$60.5K

$93.2K

How much do associate chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate chaplain in Suffolk, VA is $60,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate chaplain?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate chaplain?

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 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 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.

Is there a high demand for associate chaplains?

The demand for associate chaplains varies by region and institution but generally remains steady due to ongoing needs in hospitals, military, and correctional facilities. Employment opportunities often depend on the size of the organization, available funding, and the ability to meet certification or educational requirements such as a master's degree in theology or related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA?

The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA?

For Associate Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Chaplain jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Associate Chaplain jobs?

Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Associate Chaplain job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Chaplain job openings in Suffolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,490 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 412 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State
Hampton, VA
Work Shift
First (Days)
Overview:
Sentara CarePlex Hospital, in Hampton, VA, is currently hiring a Chaplain. This will be a full time, day shift position with rotating weekends and on call.
Hours
  • Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5pm
  • Rotating Weekends along with on call requirements

Overview
Coordinates the provision of spiritual care throughout the hospital for patients, families and staff. Develops, implements and evaluates the spiritual plan of care through a spiritual assessment. Educates staff in the provision of spiritual care. Coordinates and collaborates with multi-disciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive and integrated holistic care of patients and families (to include clinical ethics). Documents patient care concerns and interventions. Contributes to hospital committees. Offers expertise in cultural/faith diversity, advance care planning, major life transitions, end of life medical decision-making, and grief processes. Works in a multi-staff and culturally diverse setting.
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in one of the following: Divinity, Theology or seminary or equivalent course of study particular to faith (Required)
  • Ordination not required

Certification/Licensure
Certification by national healthcare chaplain certifying organization preferably one of the following:
  • APC (Association of Professional Chaplains)
  • CPSP (College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy)
  • Neshama AJC (Association of Jewish Chaplains)
  • NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains)
  • SCA (Spiritual Care Association) Certification within 3 years of employment
  • If not a preferred organization, candidate/employee must show that organization is aligned with Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains

Experience
  • Must have at least two years of related chaplain experience (Required)

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Sentara CarePlex Hospital, located in Hampton, VA, is a 224-bed technologically advanced, acute care facility, and Certified Primary Stroke Center. Other features include specialized services in heart and vascular, urologic care, along with advanced diagnostic and surgical capabilities, a hospitalist program, and one of the state's busiest emergency departments. We are also home to the Orthopedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex Hospital, the area's first dedicated orthopedic hospital. We improve health every day, come be a part of the community.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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