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Chaplain Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chaplain information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$28.8K

$63.2K

$97.4K

How much do chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for chaplain in Frederick, MD is $63,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,200.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are chaplains?

Chaplains are spiritual care professionals who provide emotional, religious, and spiritual support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, the military, prisons, schools, and workplaces. They offer counseling, lead religious services, and support people of all faiths or no faith during times of crisis, grief, or transition. Chaplains often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to address the holistic needs of those they serve, respecting diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Their role is to be a compassionate presence, offering guidance, comfort, and hope.

What are chaplains?

As a Chaplain, you provide spiritual support to people who cannot attend regular organized religious services due to health or other circumstances. Chaplains are usually attached to a secular facility or location. Your primary responsibilities as a Chaplain are to act as a faith leader to people who need guidance or counseling and offer support to individuals who are struggling. Your job duties as a chaplain are to answer questions, lead interfaith or non-denominational religious services, and provide spiritual guidance. You can find Chaplaincy jobs in hospitals, prisons, and the military.

How does a chaplain typically collaborate with medical staff and families in a healthcare setting?

Chaplains in healthcare environments work closely with doctors, nurses, and other staff to provide holistic care, addressing patients' spiritual and emotional needs alongside their physical health. They often join interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient well-being and may be called upon to support families during difficult moments, such as end-of-life decisions or crises. Open communication, empathy, and adaptability are essential, as chaplains navigate diverse beliefs and emotional states while ensuring that both patients and families feel supported and understood.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chaplain, you need a solid background in theology or pastoral care, often supported by a master's degree in divinity or related field and ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs) and certification from organizations like the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) are typically required in healthcare or institutional settings. Exceptional listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication skills help build trust and provide meaningful spiritual support to diverse individuals. These competencies are vital for addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of people in crisis, promoting holistic well-being, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Chaplain vs Counselor?

AspectChaplainCounselor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a religious degree, ordination, and certificationRequires a master's degree in counseling or psychology, licensure often needed
Work EnvironmentHospitals, military, prisons, religious institutionsPrivate practice, schools, mental health clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageReligious organizations, healthcare, militaryHealthcare, education, mental health services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in spiritual careUnderstanding mental health support roles

While both Chaplains and Counselors provide support and guidance, Chaplains focus on spiritual care within religious or institutional settings, often requiring religious credentials. Counselors primarily offer mental health therapy, requiring counseling degrees and licensure. The roles may overlap in settings like hospitals but serve different primary functions.

Is there a high demand for chaplains?

The demand for chaplains is generally steady, especially in healthcare, military, and correctional settings, where spiritual support is integral to patient care and institutional programs. Employment opportunities can vary based on location, institutional funding, and the availability of certification or specialized training in pastoral care.

What is the work of a chaplain?

A chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to individuals in settings such as hospitals, military, prisons, or religious organizations. They offer emotional comfort, conduct religious services, and assist with end-of-life or crisis situations, often requiring relevant certifications and interpersonal skills.

Where do chaplains make the most money?

Chaplains tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals and large healthcare systems, where specialized training and certifications are valued. Additionally, chaplains working in military or government institutions often have higher pay scales due to the nature of their roles and benefits packages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD?

The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD?

For Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Chaplain jobs in Frederick, MD are:

What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Chaplain jobs?

Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Chaplain job openings:

Infographic showing various Chaplain job openings in Frederick, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,222 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), Chaplain Service (CS). The position provides services within various settings, including Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), Inpatient Clinics, Outpatient Clinics and domiciliaries throughout the United States.
Qualifications: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.
  • English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • 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.
  • 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. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications found on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint.
    • Exception for Non-Board-Certified Chaplains.
      • (a) Non-Board-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment as a Chaplain under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2) not to exceed 2 years.
      • (b) Non-Board-Certified Chaplains must provide proof of completion of 4 units of CPE as required by an approved board certifying body.
      • (c) Non-Board-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified Chaplain at or above the FPL.
      • (d) Non-Board-Certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified Chaplains may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
Grandfathering Provision. All Chaplains employed in VHA under permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard (07/03/2025), are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/assignment held, including positive education and certification, where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic or assignment-specific requirements in this standard, but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
  • Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the FPL, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or be newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
  • If an assignment above the FPL level requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be reassigned or promoted.
  • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  • Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
  • Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional certification(s) that meets all the basic or assignment-specific qualification requirements of this standard must maintain the required credential(s) as a condition of employment in the occupation.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade determining criteria for placement.
GS-9
  • Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). The candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs and documenting services provided.
    • Ability to use the information of the spiritual assessment to create care plans in all dimensions of pastoral care.
    • Ability to provide crisis intervention and stabilization.
    • Skill in healthcare team collaboration to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual issues.
    • Ability to ensure free exercise of religion for patients and staff.
    • Knowledge of individual and group interventions to address spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families, providing referrals for continuity of spiritual care.
    • Skill in the coordination of religious services respecting the faith tradition of individual patients.
    • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with persons of varied backgrounds.
GS-11
  • Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9). Experience includes: Conducts spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs and creates plans for care in response to the moral injuries and spiritual distress of patients, Provides crisis intervention and stabilization as required, Collaborates with health care teams to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual distress, grief, and loss as existential concerns to enhance holistic care, Uses a variety of intervention methods, including individual and group intervention, to address the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families, Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally with all individuals
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of advance care planning to educate, inform, and counsel patients and families.
    • Skill in guiding patients in verbalizing and expressing values through life review, oral history, and end of life preparation and documentation.
    • Ability to develop pastoral care programs that are measurable, outcome-driven and evidenced based within the department guidelines.
    • Skill in counseling on medical and ethical issues, terminal diagnoses or crises, moral injury, problems of conscience, family or marital difficulties, and justice or confinement matters.
    • Ability to support the development of staff resiliency and develop programs for staff development and wellness by providing spiritual and emotional support.
    • Ability to educate and equip health care staff and trainees screening for spiritual and religious needs of patients and the importance of appropriate referrals to chaplains for complex spiritual distress.
    • Knowledge of community needs to coordinate with community organizations to provide comprehensive spiritual care, utilizing outside community resources to meet the religious needs of patients that cannot be met by chaplain staff.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.Education: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.
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.
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