The Homeless Housing Chaplain will serve as a vital spiritual leader and counselor for veterans and their families residing in newly opened apartments. This role is integral to the Greater Los Angeles Chaplain Service, focusing on providing comprehensive religious ministry services tailored to the unique needs of veterans. The chaplain will work outside the traditional hospital setting, engaging directly with the on-campus community to foster spiritual growth, well-being and support.
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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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 f) is acceptable. 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: https://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 ®. 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: GS-12 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level that is directly related to the position being filled AND must possess a specialty certification in chaplaincy beyond the board certification AND can demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty. Ability to integrate specialized psychological and sociological theory with an advanced approach to spiritual care. Skill to seek out primary research and research literature that informs the ministry specialty and one's spiritual care practice. 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. Ability to mediate conflict, hold various emotions and diffuse moral distress among staff and complex crisis situations. Ability to provide specialized consultation, teaching and mentoring to colleagues and students on advanced spiritual care interventions in the service delivery area. Ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to write policies, procedures and/or practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Chaplain Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this position is GS-12. 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.
This is a senior chaplain position. Incumbent will serve as a Chaplain professional providing comprehensive, religious ministry services to Veteran patients according to their specific needs and desires. Carry out a ministry which is highly integrated into VHAs Chaplain program. Provide thorough guidance and advice to Chaplain Service management staff, other Chaplains, and other stakeholders. May serve at a facility in a clinical setting, or a small healthcare system, satellite outpatient clinic, other federal agency, or Community Based Out-patient Clinic (CBOC) where there is limited access to onsite supervision. Provide extended and intensive pastoral counseling as an integral part of the treatment program with patients facing complex, ethical, moral, and spiritual issues. Ensure program effectiveness and modification of service pattern, which includes research and leadership of clinical teams. Practice typically in a specialized clinic/program area, that may include intensive and extended pastoral counseling as an integral part of the treatment program, with patients facing complex moral, ethical, or spiritual problems. Duties include, but are not limited to: Serving as a primary Chaplain resource, spiritual advisor, and liaison for the spiritual needs of patients, caregivers, and staff. Leading various complex and sensitive projects, task groups, and assignments to obtain pertinent high-level information needed for Chaplain Service management officials. Providing thorough spiritual leadership, offering prayers, and providing overall religious services for Veteran patients, patient families, staff, and community. Ministering to newly admitted, pre- and post-operative patients, the critically ill, and the families of concerned Veteran patients. Conducting and arranging for religious worship services in chapels and at other locations for patients that are unable to attend regular chapel services. Preferred Experience: At least 5 years of experience. Board Certified with a sub-specialty in Moral Injury, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Suicide Prevention, or Mental Health. 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. Reporting Structure: The chaplain will report directly to the Chief, Chaplain Service, with oversight from the Chief, CERS. Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000