Chaplain Job in Fresno, CA

Vacancy No. CBSW-12756709-25-MS-BU Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $61,419.00 to $96,600.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/2/2025 Close Date 7/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fresno, CA


Summary

Chaplains for the VHA provide religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to all Veterans, caregivers and staff. The incumbent addresses the spiritual component of health and wellness in a patient care setting to ensure that pastoral care is fully integrated into all aspects of service.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to US Citizens.

Duties

Chaplains provide services within various settings, including Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), Inpatient Clinics, Outpatient Clinics and domiciliary throughout the United States. Most Chaplain services are usually provided in a medical facility structure.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Serves as a Chaplain professional providing complete religious ministry services to Veteran patients according to their specific needs and desires;
  • Serves as a primary resource, spiritual advisor and point of contact for the spiritual needs of patients, caregivers, and staff;
  • Conducts religious services and worship, pastoral ministry, and administration of Chaplain services;
  • Engages as a spiritual leader, a compassionate listener and counselor especially during times of crisis;
  • Provides emotional support and counseling using strong interpersonal skills to effectively connect with people of all ages with empathy;
  • Offers prayers and religious services for Veteran's patients, staff, and community;
  • Conducts rituals in front of groups of people including leading prayers, requiring effective leadership and public speaking skills;
  • Addresses religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical problems of patients and staff under the direct supervision and guidance of a higher-grade chaplain for complex non-routine issues;
  • Provides counseling services to patients and staff and conducts regular rounds of hospital wards containing the critically ill;
  • Ministers to newly admitted, pre- and post-operative patients, the critically ill, and the families of concerned veteran patients.
  • Provides advance care planning education, information, and counsel for patients and their families;
  • Provides pastoral ministry to patients of his/her faith group, including conscientious attention during emergencies and crises.
  • Ensures all patients are provided opportunities for the free exercise of religion and that Veterans are protected from proselytizing and coercion from any source;
  • Serves as a fully recognized member of an integrated multi-professional treatment team.
  • Maintains liaison with physicians, medical officers, psychologists, nurses, therapists, social workers, or others involved to exchange information relative to background and current condition of patients;
  • Trains and coaches volunteer groups who offer their services as assistants;
  • Engages in group consultative discussions or conferences with these professionals to evaluate and review the patient's progress;
  • Collaborates with treatment team professionals to discuss the recommended course of action and other informed advice to attain the necessary therapeutic goals for the patient;
  • Locates other Chaplains and/or persons from the community to provide for patients' religious needs;
  • Uses knowledge of different faiths to perform various religious rituals, lead prayers, and answer spiritual questions;
  • Provides guidance and/or support for patients to express values through oral history, and end of life preparation and documentation;
  • Maintains records and documents chaplaincy care services;
  • Provides pastoral counseling on medical and ethical matters, including moral injury, problems of conscience, family or marital difficulties, justice or confinement matters, terminal diagnoses, or crisis;
  • Addresses fears that patients have when facing surgery and answers questions regarding the meaning of life, when confronted with the reality of pain, illness permanent disfigurement, crippling, or death under the direct supervision and guidance of a higher-grade chaplain;
  • Counsels' patients with long-term health illness to aid in developing and maintaining patience, determination, and perseverance;
  • Provides advice to mental health patients with deeply troubling concerns of anxiety, depression, obsessions, and fears.
  • Provides referrals for continuity of spiritual care;
  • Develops measurable, outcome-driven, and evidence-based pastoral care; and creates staff development and wellness programs;
  • Conducts religious services and educational classes independently;
  • Maintains records, supplies, and religious equipment for the assigned program; and tracks and maintain the program's budget;
  • Collaborates with healthcare teams to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual distress, grief, and loss as existential concerns to enhance holistic care;
  • Maintains records and appropriately documents chaplaincy care services in the Electronic Health Record Management (EHRM) system.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 0800-1630
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: GS-9 570-01321F, GS-11570-00218-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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 as a chaplain, all applicants must possess the following:
  • 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 is acceptable. Refer to Board Certification below.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, theological or related education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a current affiliate agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) listed at https://www.naces.org/members
  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Applicants must have completed four units of CPE from a CPE center that is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • 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: http://www.patientcare.va.gov/chaplain/Employment_Information_and_Resources.asp
  • Board Certification. Applicants must be a Board Certified Chaplain certified by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) ® or nationally recognized certification body that utilizes the BCCI ® Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplaincy or a certifying organization that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®.
  • Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) for a period not to exceed two years. This exception only applies at the entry level. For the journey level and above, the candidate must have board certification. Temporary graduate chaplain appointments may not be extended beyond two years and may not be converted to a new temporary appointment in this occupation.
  • Loss of Endorsement or Certification. Chaplains must maintain ecclesiastical endorsement and board certification. Loss of endorsement or board certification will result in removal from the GS-0060 Chaplain occupation and may result in termination of employment.
  • Grandfathering Provision. 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).
  • Physical Requirements. Position does not require a full physical. The employee occupational health office will require TB and an immunization assessment.
  • English Language Proficiency. Chaplains must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

Chaplain, GS-9
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the basic experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs and documenting services provided.
  2. Ability to use the information of the spiritual assessment to create care plans in all dimensions of pastoral care.
  3. Ability to provide crisis intervention and stabilization.
  4. Skill in healthcare team collaboration to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual issues.
  5. Ability to ensure free exercise of religion for patients and staff.
  6. Knowledge of individual and group interventions to address spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families; providing referrals for continuity of spiritual care.
  7. Skill in the coordination of religious services respecting the faith tradition of individual patients.
  8. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with persons of varied backgrounds.
Assignment. At the GS-9 entry level, chaplains serve in a career development position practicing under close supervision of a supervisor or qualified individual who reviews and ensures the employee meets competency requirements.

Chaplain, GS-11
Experience. At this level, the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 level that is directly related to the position to be filled.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must meet the experience above and demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of advance care planning to educate, inform, and counsel patients and families.
  2. Skill in guiding patients in verbalizing and expressing values through life review, oral history, and end of life preparation and documentation.
  3. Ability to develop pastoral care programs that are measurable, outcome-driven and evidenced based within the department guidelines.
  4. Skill in counseling on medical and ethical issues, terminal diagnoses or crises, moral injury, problems of conscience, family or marital difficulties and justice or confinement matters.
  5. Ability to support the development of staff resiliency and develop programs for staff development and wellness by providing spiritual and emotional support.
  6. Ability to educate and equip healthcare staff and trainees screening for spiritual and religious needs of patients and the importance of appropriate referrals to chaplains for complex spiritual distress.
  7. Knowledge of community needs to coordinate with community organizations to provide comprehensive spiritual care, utilizing outside community resources to meet the religious needs of patients that cannot be met by chaplain staff.
Assignment. At the GS-11 journey level, the chaplain independently serves as a primary resource and point of contact for the spiritual needs of patients, caregivers and staff.

References: VA Handbook 5005/135 PART II APPENDIX G67, September 24, 2020

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grades at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy are GS-9 and GS-11.

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

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume - Provide complete information regarding your education and experience. Your resume should support your questionnaire responses. For employment/volunteer experience, provide employer information, month/year, hours worked per week and duties performed.
  • Transcript (copy)
  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement, VA Form 10-253 can be found at this link ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS CHAPLAINCY*
  • Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc (BCCI) or nationally recognized certification body that utilizes BCCI (For permanent and positions above the entry level.)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12756709.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Marisella Souza
Address
Fresno VA Medical Center
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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