These positions are within the Chaplain Service at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. The Chaplain delivers religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Veterans, families, and staff across inpatient, outpatient, and domiciliary settings. Core responsibilities include pastoral counseling, supporting spiritual health, and integrating pastoral care into patient services. The Chaplain serves as a clinical professional, meeting the unique needs and preferences of all served per VA standards.
Summary
These positions are within the Chaplain Service at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. The Chaplain delivers religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Veterans, families, and staff across inpatient, outpatient, and domiciliary settings. Core responsibilities include pastoral counseling, supporting spiritual health, and integrating pastoral care into patient services. The Chaplain serves as a clinical professional, meeting the unique needs and preferences of all served per VA standards.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Pastoral Care & Counseling
Provides comprehensive religious ministry services to Veterans based on their unique needs and preferences.
Delivers extended and intensive pastoral counseling, especially for patients facing complex ethical, moral, and spiritual problems.
Offers crisis intervention, stabilization, and support for individuals during emergencies and stressful events.
Conducts spiritual assessments, creates care plans for moral injury and spiritual distress, and supports holistic treatment of Veterans.
Ministers to newly admitted patients, pre-/post-op patients, the critically ill, and the families of concerned Veterans.
Offers advance care planning education, guidance, and counseling for patients and families.
Builds strong, trusting relationships with patients, families, and staff; ensures opportunities for free religious expression and freedom from proselytizing.
Clinical Integration & Teamwork
Fully integrates services with the VA's Chaplain program and participates as a recognized member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT).
Collaborates with physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.
Participates in group consultative discussions about patient progress and treatment plans.
Supervises, trains, and coaches volunteer groups assisting with Chaplain services.
Supports development of staff resiliency, wellness, and educational programs for healthcare staff and trainees.
Ensures program effectiveness, modifies service patterns, leads research, and heads clinical teams and special projects.
Completes complex administrative assignments and maintains accurate records in the Electronic Health Record Management System (EHRM/CPRS).
Religious Services & Rituals
Conducts comprehensive religious services, worship, and pastoral ministry for multiple faith traditions.
Leads various rituals, prayer services, and ceremonies for Veteran patients, families, and staff.
Administers ordinances, rites, and sacraments; prepares/delivers sermons; arranges for appropriate worship atmosphere and symbolism.
Coordinates worship services across different locations, including chapels and clinical units.
Pluralism & Diversity
Works in a pluralistic environment, showing sensitivity to diverse faith groups and religious beliefs.
Collaborates with other Chaplains, religious leaders, and community representatives to meet patients' religious needs.
Protects Veterans' rights to religious freedom and safeguards against coercion or proselytizing.
Community & Outreach
Engages with community organizations, local clergy, and family members to ensure comprehensive spiritual care.
Maintains and develops strong ties with community resources to support patients' needs beyond the medical facility.
Serves as a communication link between the medical center, individual patients, and the community.
Specialty Services
Serves in specialty clinical areas such as Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Hospice, Palliative Care, Women's Health, Cancer Centers, Spinal Cord/Polytrauma units, Pain/Infectious Disease Clinics, Whole Health, and more.
Provides counseling and pastoral care for issues including moral injury, conscience, family/marital difficulties, justice/institutional matters, terminal diagnoses, depression, anxiety, and more.
Quality & Professionalism
Develops and implements measurable, outcome-driven, evidence-based pastoral care programs.
Maintains professional relationships across disciplines, participates in policy and practice guideline development.
Assesses and tracks program budgets, supplies, and religious equipment.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 635-54247A
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS - To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
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).
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 the 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.
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, from the official national endorsing authority of their faith group or denomination. Endorsement is a written, official statement by that authority certifying good standing and that the individual is qualified to perform ministry 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
Applicants must be Board-Certified Chaplains by BCCI® or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement with BCCI®. Board Certification requiring 4 units of CPE is qualifying. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint. Note: Provisional, Associate, or other candidate status does not meet the requirement for Full Performance Level (FPL) GS-11 or above.
Foreign Education
Education completed outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member (see: https://www.naces.org/members) and deemed equivalent to conventional U.S. programs.
English Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
GRADE DETERMINATIONS - In addition to the basic requirements above, the following grade-specific criteria apply:
Chaplain, GS-12
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11).
Specialty Certification: Demonstrated advanced practice/specialization in chaplaincy (beyond board certification), as required for GS-12. Must have specialty certification from a professional chaplain certifying body directly related to the assignment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):Candidates must demonstrate:
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 literature that informs ministry specialty and spiritual care practice.
Skill in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of chaplain practice and services in the specialty area, utilizing outcomes to improve services and design system changes.
Ability to mediate conflict and diffuse moral distress among staff and in complex situations.
Ability to provide specialized consultation, teaching, and mentoring to colleagues and students on advanced spiritual care interventions.
Ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to write policies, procedures, or practice guidelines for the service delivery area.
Preferred Experience: Proven experience providing pastoral care in clinical and community settings, with a particular focus on veterans' issues and ministry initiatives such as church planting. Demonstrated leadership, public speaking, and counseling abilities, with a strong capacity to engage effectively in a pluralistic environment. Collaborative team player with experience working alongside healthcare professionals and community organizations to deliver comprehensive spiritual care. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to develop policies, procedures, and practice guidelines.
These vacancies are above the full performance level.
Physical Requirements: This position requires the Chaplain to meaningfully engage with Veteran patients and family members by walking and moving throughout the healthcare setting, with or without the use of an assistive device. The Chaplain must be able to speak and hear (hearing aids permitted) and work closely with others.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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.
Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred based on Veterans' Preference.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Professional Certification
Resume
Transcript
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
Your resume/CV must include the following information for each job listed (a determination may not be able to be made if these items are missing):
Job title and Duties
Month & year, start/end dated (e.g. June 2020 to April 2021)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Series and Grade, if applicable
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
Disability Letter (VA)
Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 04/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931493.
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.
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.
VA Oklahoma City Health Care System
921 Northeast 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Professional Certification
Resume
Transcript
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
Your resume/CV must include the following information for each job listed (a determination may not be able to be made if these items are missing):
Job title and Duties
Month & year, start/end dated (e.g. June 2020 to April 2021)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Series and Grade, if applicable
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
Disability Letter (VA)
Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 04/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931493.
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.
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.
VA Oklahoma City Health Care System
921 Northeast 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
