ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Va Chaplain Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVa Chaplain JobsVa Chaplain Jobs in Washington

Va Chaplain information

See Washington salary details

$32.8K

$72K

$111K

How much do va chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for va chaplain in Washington is $72,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,600.00 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 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 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.

How do you become a VA chaplain?

To become a VA chaplain, candidates typically need to be endorsed by a recognized religious organization, hold a master's degree in divinity or theology, and have clinical pastoral education (CPE) training. They must also meet the specific employment requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including background checks and sometimes military chaplaincy experience or certification.

Is there a high demand for Va chaplains?

The demand for VA chaplains is steady, as they provide spiritual support and counseling to veterans and active service members. Employment opportunities are often available through Veterans Affairs facilities, hospitals, and military installations, with requirements including relevant certifications and experience in pastoral care. Job growth depends on funding and veteran population needs but remains consistent within the healthcare and military support sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Va Chaplain jobs in Washington?

For Va Chaplain jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Va Chaplain jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Va Chaplain jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Va Chaplain jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Va Chaplain job openings:

Va Chaplain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Chaplain job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,018 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Chaplain (National Program Coordinator)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Chaplain Service. The incumbent serves as a professional Chaplain (National Program Coordinator (NPC)) Transitional Care Coordinator (TCC) providing transitional spiritual care services and programming for beneficiaries transitioning between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs and those transitioning between any of the three Veterans Administrations.Qualifications: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.
Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
  • Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)
  • 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. 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.
  • 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. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved endorsing organizations that can be found here: National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint.
  • Board 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. Note: Provisional or Associate or other status as a candidate for board certification does not meet the board certification requirement for the FPL GS-11 or above.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Chaplain GS-13
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Ability to effectively liaison and build relationships with transitioning Service members or family members.
  • Skill in assessing need for basic and complex spiritual care or bereavement care across multiple programmatic venues.
  • Knowledge of chaplain practice, policy, standards and strategic planning in relationship to a large multi-layered, multi-organizational program (e.g., U.S. Military Bases or National Cemeteries).
  • Skill in maintaining relationships with appropriate offices and individuals to keep them abreast of significant accomplishments, program changes, and other substantive events.
  • Ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships with key internal and external VA stakeholders and community partners on a national level

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13 .
Physical Requirements: This position requires the Chaplain to meaningfully engage with Veteran patients and family members by walking and moving within the healthcare setting or with the incumbent using an assistive device. The Chaplain is required to speak, hear (hearing aid permitted) and work closely with others.Education: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

Apply