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Va Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pastor

Aurora, CO · On-site

The faith group must be listed on the official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations list maintained by The National VA Chaplain Service. * Education--Candidates must possess a Master of Divinity ...

Pastor

Aurora, CO · On-site

The faith group must be listed on the official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations list maintained by The National VA Chaplain Service. * Education-Candidates must possess a Master of Divinity ...

Pastor

Aurora, CO · On-site

The faith group must be listed on the official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations list maintained by The National VA Chaplain Service. * Education-Candidates must possess a Master of Divinity ...

Pastor

Aurora, CO · On-site

The faith group must be listed on the official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organizations list maintained by The National VA Chaplain Service. * Education--Candidates must possess a Master of Divinity ...

Chaplain

Billings, MT · On-site

$89K/yr

C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) of the VA Handbook 5005. * Ecclesiastical Endorsement : Candidates must ... Chaplain Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In ...

Chaplain

Billings, MT · On-site

$89K/yr

C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) of the VA Handbook 5005. * Ecclesiastical Endorsement : Candidates must ... Chaplain Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In ...

Chaplain

North Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

Summary This position is located within the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), and Chaplain Service (CS). The position ...

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 ...

Chaplain

Cleveland, OH · On-site +1

$93K - $121K/yr

Summary The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for an Chaplain. The Chaplain will function in Chaplain Service. The incumbent provides religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to all ...

Showing results 21-40

Va Chaplain information

See salary details

$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do va chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for va 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.

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.
More about Va Chaplain jobs

What cities are hiring for Va Chaplain jobs?

Cities with the most Va Chaplain job openings:

What states have the most Va Chaplain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Va Chaplain jobs include:

Infographic showing various Va Chaplain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentives

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

.The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Chaplain Service, is currently recruiting for one (1) Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator) in Oklahoma City, OK.
Relocation / Recruitment Incentives may be authorized according to Agency policy.
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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
      • 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
Grade Determinations:
  • Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator), GS-12.
    • Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
    • Certification. CPE Educators must be certified by an agency whose CPE units of training are recognized by the BCCI or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI . CPE Educators must be certified by the same accrediting body as the CPE training program where the position is being filled for the CPE training program to maintain accreditation.
    • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • (a) Ability to independently educate all levels of CPE students and plan, organize, and implement all levels of the CPE program.
      • (b) Skill in adhering to all accreditation standards, processes and practices including, but not limited to, timely and professional submission of all required program reports, center portfolio, fees and dues.
      • (c) Skill in written and verbal communication that are articulate, professional and cohesive.
      • (d) Ability to recruit, interview and select students for the CPE program.
      • (e) Knowledge of professional ethics for certified educators and history of CPE.
      • (f) Ability to apply theoretical understanding for and competence in administering and conducting all levels of CPE programs.
      • (g) Knowledge of emerging trends and research in the area of pastoral education.
      • (h) Knowledge of various conceptual frameworks for developing educational curriculum.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
This vacancy is above the full performance at GS-12.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirementsEducation: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