Chaplain

Summary

The incumbent serves as a Chaplain performing clinical assignments for the VHA. The Chaplain provides a complete range of spiritual care to Veterans, their families, and 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

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 08/31/2024 and applicants will be referred as needed after that. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until no longer needed, but no later than December 31, 2024.

• Serves as a Chaplain professional providing comprehensive, religious ministry services to Veteran patients.
• Provides extended and intensive pastoral counseling.
• Ensures program effectiveness and modification of service pattern.
• Advises and collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team (IDT).
• Maintains effective rapport with physicians, medical officers, psychologists, nurses, therapists, social workers, or others involved in IDT.
• Leads various complex and sensitive projects, task groups, and assignments to obtain pertinent high-level information needed for Chaplain Service management officials.
• Provides emotional support and counseling using empathy and strong interpersonal skills to effectively connect with people of all ages.
• Ensures various complex assignments are carried out in a pluralistic environment, which encompasses sensitivity to the religious needs of many separate religious denominations and faith groups.
• Conducts rituals before groups of people, which requires effective leadership and public speaking skills.
• Conducts regular rounds of hospital wads where patients are critically ill.
• Provides advanced care planning education, information, and counsel for patients and their families.
• Provides pastoral ministry to patients with respect to their patient's faith group, including conscientious attention during emergencies and crises.
• Engages in group consultative discussions or conferences to provide Chaplain related input to collaborate on the evaluation and review of patient's progress.
• Uses thorough knowledge of different faiths to perform various religious rituals, lead prayers, and answer spiritual questions.
• Provides pastoral counseling on medical and ethical matters.
• Counsels patient with long term health illness to aid in developing and maintaining patience, determination, and perseverance.
• Interacts and maintains cooperative relationships with Medical Center personnel, family, local clergy, individuals, and groups in the community.
• Administers ordinances, rites or sacraments; prepares and delivers sermons; arranges for the atmosphere and symbolism of worship; and conducts funeral services when needed.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 PM
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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