About this role

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. 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). b. 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 c. 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. (1) 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 Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S.

must be submitted to a current affiliate agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at https://www.naces.org/members and be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) 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: . In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified Chaplain, GS-12. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Specialty Certification. Specialty certification is demonstrated advanced practice and/or specialization in chaplaincy beyond the board certification and is required for the GS-12 grade level.

Specialty certification from a professional chaplain certifying body that is directly related to the assignment is qualifying for a senior chaplain assignment. (3) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty. (b) Ability to integrate specialized psychological and sociological theory with an advanced approach to spiritual care.

(c) Skill to seek out primary research and research literature that informs the ministry specialty and one's spiritual care practice. (d) Skill in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of chaplain practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services and to design system changes. (e) Ability to mediate conflict, hold various emotions and diffuse moral distress among staff and complex crisis situations.

(f) Ability to provide specialized consultation, teaching and mentoring to colleagues and students on advanced spiritual care interventions in the service delivery area. (g) Ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to write policies, procedures and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area. Preferred Experience: At least one year of experience in Hospice and Palliative Care, or as a Grief and Bereavement Recovery Specialist.

Board Certified with a sub-specialty in Hospices and Palliative Care, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Suicide Prevention, or Moral Injury. Proven experience in providing pastoral care in a clinical or community setting, with a focus on veterans' issues. (This may be likened to a church planting type ministry). Strong leadership, public speaking, and counseling skills, with the ability to engage effectively in a pluralistic environment.

Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals and community organizations to provide comprehensive spiritual care. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare policies, procedures, and practice guidelines Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The vacancy is being announced above the full performance level at a GS-12.

Physical Requirements: . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements

Source listing: usajobs