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Va Chaplain Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain (Certified or Non-Certified) UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Shift: Part-time, 1st ... National Association of VA Chaplains * Spiritual Care Association * IL & IA Child Abuse Mandatory ...

Overview Chaplain (Certified or Non-Certified) UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Shift: Part-time, ... National Association of VA Chaplains * Spiritual Care Association * IL & IA Child Abuse Mandatory ...

Va Chaplain information

See Iowa salary details

$27.2K

$59.7K

$92K

How much do va chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for va chaplain in Iowa is $59,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges VA Chaplains face when supporting veterans and their families?

VA Chaplains often encounter the challenge of providing spiritual and emotional support to veterans from diverse backgrounds, many of whom may be coping with trauma, grief, or moral injury. Balancing the unique needs and beliefs of each individual while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment is essential. Additionally, chaplains frequently collaborate with mental health professionals and medical staff to ensure holistic care, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Adapting to the emotional demands of the role and managing personal well-being are also important aspects of the job.

What is the difference between Va Chaplain vs Va Social Worker?

AspectVa ChaplainVa Social Worker
Required CredentialsReligious ordination, chaplain certification, sometimes a master's in theology or divinityMaster's in social work (MSW), state licensure, clinical social work certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, VA medical centers, military bases, spiritual care settingsHospitals, VA facilities, community agencies, mental health clinics
Employer & Industry UsageVeterans Affairs, religious organizations, military healthcareVeterans Affairs, healthcare providers, social service agencies

While both roles serve veterans within the VA system, Va Chaplains focus on spiritual support and religious care, requiring ordination and theological training. Va Social Workers provide mental health and social support, requiring social work degrees and licensure. Their work environments often overlap, but their primary functions differ based on training and scope of practice.

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

To thrive as a VA Chaplain, you need a master’s degree in divinity or a related field, ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group, and experience in pastoral care. Familiarity with electronic medical record systems and knowledge of hospital protocols are often required. Compassion, strong listening skills, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for supporting veterans from diverse backgrounds. These competencies are vital for providing effective spiritual care, emotional support, and ethical guidance within the unique environment of VA healthcare facilities.
What are popular job titles related to Va Chaplain jobs in Iowa? For Va Chaplain jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Va Chaplain jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Va Chaplain jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Va Chaplain job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,725 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Chaplain (Certified or Non-Certified)

UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital

Shift: Part-time, 1st Shift

Benefits Eligible

The chaplain provides spiritual care for patients and families through direct visits. Spiritual care is also provided through regular contact with hospital team members and regular consultation with nursing, social services, and medical staff. Chaplain serves as contact with visiting clergy.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Provide compassionate spiritual care, assessments, and ongoing support for patients and families across care settings. 
  • Offer comfort and guidance during crises, trauma, ethical concerns, and end-of-life situations. 
  • Partner with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary team to integrate spiritual care into each patient's plan of care. 
  • Support team members through compassionate presence, debriefings, and critical incident response. 
  • Document spiritual assessments and interventions in the electronic health record. 
  • Build meaningful relationships with community clergy and spiritual leaders to strengthen patient and family support. 
  • Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, on-call coverage, and care planning discussions. 
  • Help create a culture of compassion and resilience while contributing to memorial services, special events, quality improvement, and ongoing professional development. 

Education: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a focus indivinity,theology, pastoral studiesor relatedfieldsrequired.  
  • Master’s Degree with a focus in divinity, theology, pastoral studies or related fields preferred.  
  • 1 Unit Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) required.  
  • 2-4 Units Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred.  

Experience: 

  • One (1) year of experience providing spiritual care required.  
  • One (1) year of experience providing spiritual care in hospital setting preferred.  

License(s)/Certification(s): 

  • Board Certified Chaplain from one of the following organizations preferred within two (2) years of hire: 
    • National Association of Jewish Chaplains 
    • Association of Certified Christian Chaplains 
    • Association of Professional Chaplains 
    • Board of Chaplancey Certification Inc. 
    • National Association of Catholic Chaplains 
    • National Association of VA Chaplains 
    • Spiritual Care Association 
  • IL & IA Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required.  
  • IL & IA Adult Dependent Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required.  

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About UnityPoint Health

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At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995