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Community Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Christian Care Communities

Chaplain

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

Chaplain for Senior Living Community We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and interfaith-minded Community Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary care team. In this role, you will act as a ...

Allina Health

$31.07 - $42.59/hr

E. hospital, hospice, long-term care facility, faith community, public safety, community chaplain, military chaplain, etc.) Preferred Qualifications * Completion of four units of Clinical Pastoral ...

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Community Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do community chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for community chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a community chaplain?

To become a community chaplain, individuals typically need a combination of relevant education, such as a bachelor's degree in theology, counseling, or social work, and experience in pastoral care or community service. Certification or training in chaplaincy from recognized organizations can enhance job prospects, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for working with diverse community members.

What are some common challenges faced by Community Chaplains in their daily work?

Community Chaplains often encounter the challenge of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and belief systems, which requires strong cultural sensitivity and adaptability. They may also face emotionally demanding situations, such as providing comfort during crises or times of grief. Balancing administrative responsibilities with direct care, and managing a varied caseload across different community settings, can be demanding. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, social workers, and local organizations is essential to provide comprehensive support, and strong communication skills are vital for success.

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

To thrive as a Community Chaplain, you need a strong background in pastoral care, spiritual counseling, and a relevant theological degree or certification. Familiarity with crisis intervention protocols, grief support resources, and documentation systems is often important. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality help foster trust and support within diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing meaningful spiritual care and emotional support to individuals facing challenging life circumstances.

What do community chaplains do?

Community chaplains provide spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to individuals in various settings such as hospitals, prisons, or military environments. They often offer emotional assistance, facilitate religious services, and help address personal or crisis-related needs, typically requiring strong interpersonal skills and relevant certifications. Their work involves active listening, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.

What is the difference between Community Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectCommunity ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsTypically requires a religious degree or certification, pastoral trainingRequires similar credentials, often with additional healthcare or hospital-specific training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, churches, outreach programsHospitals, healthcare facilities, medical settings
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, community servicesHospitals, healthcare providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Community Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains share similar credentials and pastoral training but differ mainly in their work environment. Community Chaplains focus on outreach and support within community settings, while Hospital Chaplains serve patients and staff within healthcare facilities. Both roles aim to provide spiritual care, but their daily duties and settings vary significantly.

What qualifications do I need to be a chaplain?

To become a community chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in theology, religious studies, or a related field, along with relevant pastoral or counseling experience. Many chaplains also pursue certification or ordination from a recognized religious organization and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain roles are often found 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 compensation. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.

What are Community Chaplains?

Community Chaplains are trained spiritual caregivers who provide emotional, spiritual, and sometimes practical support to people within a particular community, regardless of their religious affiliation. They often work outside traditional religious institutions, reaching out to individuals in hospitals, schools, workplaces, prisons, or neighborhoods. Their role is to listen, offer guidance, and help people navigate difficult life situations, drawing on spiritual resources as appropriate. Community Chaplains respect diverse beliefs and focus on the well-being of those they serve.
More about Community Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Community Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Community Chaplain job openings:
What states have the most Community Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Chaplain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Community Chaplain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Community Chaplain jobs are:
Community Chaplain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Chaplain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Chaplain

Chaplain

Christian Care Communities

Hopkinsville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Christian Care Communities rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Chaplain for Senior Living Community
We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and interfaith-minded Community Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary care team. In this role, you will act as a spiritual guide, pastor, and counselor, offering a vital ministry of presence, comfort, and hope to older adults aging with dignity. You will deliver comprehensive spiritual assessments, provide emotional support to residents, families, and staff, and lead communal religious services tailored to various cognitive and physical abilities.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Direct Pastoral Care: Conduct regular visits to residents across independent living, and skilled nursing center.
  • Worship & Programming: Plan, coordinate, and lead weekly ecumenical worship services, scripture studies, devotions, and seasonal holy day celebrations.
  • Crisis & End-of-Life Support: Offer immediate prayer, presence, and grief counseling during acute medical declines, family transitions, or active end-of-life care.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively participate in care plan conferences alongside nursing, social services, and life enrichment teams to support holistic resident health.
  • Family & Staff Ministry: Provide bereavement support to grieving families and offer a supportive, listening ear to staff members navigating compassion fatigue.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required Education: Bachelor's degree from 4-year college or university
Preferred Education: Master's degree of Divinity from accredited seminary; 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education from ACPE (Association of Clinical Pastoral Education) accredited facility
Required Experience: 2 years' experience as ordained pastoral care provider
Preferred Experience: Experience in a healthcare or geriatric setting
Required: 30 hours continuing education every 2 years, 20 hours pastoral care, 10 hours gerontology; denominational endorsement from his/her community of faith, and be an active member of a local church congregation.
Business travel is a requirement of position; proof of valid driver's license with a clean driving record
If personal vehicle is used to transport self or others; proof of insurance of $100,000 single limit of liability
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