This Chaplain position will service the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, Connecticut as the Clinical Pastoral Educator. This is a full time, 40-hour per week position.
Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.) 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 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: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/chaplain/Employment_Information_and_Resources.asp d. 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. e. 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. f. English Language Proficiency. Chaplains must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: a. 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. b. Experience The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled. Experience includes, but not limited to: Providing advance care planning education, information, and counsel for patients and their families. Developing pastoral care programs that are measurable, outcome-driven, and evidence-based in coordination with the department guidelines. Providing pastoral counseling on medical and ethical matters, including but not limited to, moral injury, problems of conscience, family or marital difficulties, justice or confinement matters, terminal diagnoses, or crisis Supporting the development of staff resiliency by providing emotional and spiritual support and compassionate presence and develops programs for staff development and wellness. Coordinating with community organizations to ensure the provision of comprehensive spiritual care, and engaging community resources to meet religious needs of patients that cannot be met by chaplain staff. c. Assignment For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The certified educator manages the daily operations of the CPE center, develops and implements program policies and procedures and serves as certified educators of record for all CPE students. They are responsible for administrative oversight and programmatic resources and monitoring of educational outcomes. They are responsible for all educator evaluations, student records, center portfolio and CPE accreditation requirements, which may include off-site CPE satellites and placement contracts. The certified educator seeks approval for allied health trainee positions through the Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). They recruit, interview and select students, and ensure all documentation is completed for compliance. They develop educational curricula that are measurable, outcome-oriented and evidence-based and designed to meet board certification competencies. They develop relationships with key staff related to the CPE program, e.g., clinical preceptors, Advisory Group members, OAA staff. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to independently educate all levels of CPE students and plan, organize, and implement all levels of the CPE program. 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. Skill in written and verbal communication that are articulate, professional and cohesive. Ability to recruit, interview and select students for the CPE program. Knowledge of professional ethics for certified educators and history of CPE. Ability to apply theoretical understanding for and competence in administering and conducting all levels of CPE programs Knowledge of emerging trends and research in the area of pastoral education. Knowledge of various conceptual frameworks for developing educational curriculum. 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). Preferred Experience: 2-3 years of healthcare experience with CPE supervision and familiarity with ACPE accreditation process preferred. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/135, Part II, Appendix G-67, Chaplain Qualification Standard dated September 24, 2020. 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.
The incumbent serves as a Chaplain Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE) performing senior-level clinical assignments for the VHA. The incumbent provides comprehensive religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to all persons that are commensurate with the needs, desires, and voluntary consent of the Veteran, caregiver, or staff. The incumbent addresses the spiritual component of health and wellness in every patient care setting to ensure that pastoral care is fully integrated into all aspects of chaplain services. Duties include, but are not limited to: Provides expert guidance to other VHA chaplains. Serves as a certified Chaplain (CPE) providing comprehensive, religious ministry services and training to Veteran patients and students according to their specific needs. Manages the daily operations of the CPE Center and develops and implements program policies and procedures. Serves as a certified educator of record for all CPE students for an assigned designated area. Provides administrative oversight and programmatic resources and monitors educational outcomes. Maintains records for all educator evaluations, student records, center portfolio, and CPE accreditation requirements, which may include off-site CPE satellite and placement contracts. Ensures all documentation is completed for compliance. Develops educational curricula that are measurable, outcome-oriented, and evidence-based and designed to meet board certification competencies. Monitors the CPE Center's program effectiveness and modification of service pattern, which includes research and leadership of clinical teams. Develops and implements methods to measure the effectiveness of the Chaplain educational program. Provides extended and intensive pastoral counseling as an integral part of the treatment program with patients facing complex, ethical, moral, and/or spiritual issues. Provides leadership, direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education programs. Educates all levels of CPE students independently. Plans, organizes, and implements all levels of the CPE program. Conducts assessments to identify student's strengths and needs and creates educational plans for students. Coordinates work schedule with other VHA Chaplains as necessary to ensure overall coverage during the incumbent's absence. Maintains supplies and religious equipment for the assigned program; and tracks and maintains the program's budget. Maintains records, policies, and educational resources needed for the operation of the CPE program. Applies theoretical understanding and competence to administer and conduct all levels of CPE programs. Maintains a good understanding of the theories, methodologies, practices, and problems of the other medical professional or student disciplines and the latest developments in their fields. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of other religions or denominations. Spends minimally 35% of time in patient care. Time includes the time of guiding students with direct patient care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; on-call coverage. Telework: ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized