Chaplain Jobs

The incumbent serves as a Chaplain at VANJHCS, covering the East Orange and Lyons campuses, providing religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Veterans, caregivers, and staff in accordance with their needs, desires, and voluntary consent. The incumbent addresses the spiritual dimension of health and wellness across all patient care settings, ensuring pastoral care is fully integrated into service delivery. Duties include but are not limited to the following: 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, compassionate listener, and counselor, especially during times of crisis Provides emotional support and counseling using empathy and strong interpersonal skills to effectively connect with people of all ages Ensures assignments are carried out in a pluralistic environment, with sensitivity to the religious needs of diverse denominations and faith groups Leads and offers prayers and religious services for Veteran patients, patient families, staff, and the community Conducts rituals in front of groups of people, requiring effective leadership and public speaking skills Addresses the religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical concerns of patients and staff Provides counseling services to patients and staff Conducts regular rounds of hospital wards where patients are 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 Perform other assigned duties as required. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a Chaplain Work Schedule: On an as needed basis. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 75065, 75066 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Basic Requirements: 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 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 d) 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. Ecclesiastical endorsements must be from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's/employee's faith group or denomination. Loss of endorsement will result in removal from the GS-0060 Chaplain series and may result in termination of employment. Board Certification. (1) Certification. Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®. Board Certification that requires 4 units of CPE is qualifying. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications found on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint. Note: Provisional or Associate or other status as a candidate for board certification does not meet the board certification requirement for the FPL GS-11 or above. Exception for Non-Board-Certified Chaplains. (a) Non-Board-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment as a Chaplain under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) not to exceed 2 years. (b) Non-Board-Certified Chaplains must provide proof of completion of 4 units of CPE as required by an approved board certifying body. (c) Non-Board-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified Chaplain at or above the FPL. (d) Non-Board-Certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified Chaplains may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Board Certification. In all cases, Chaplains must actively work to meet requirements for board certification starting from the date of their placement into the occupation. At the time of appointment, the HR Office staff in collaboration with the supervisor will provide the employee with the written requirements for board certification, including the time by which the board certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming board certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain board certification during this time may result in separation from employment. Loss of Credential. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain any of the required certifications (board certification, ecclesiastical endorsement, or when applicable a specialty certification) of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation which may also result in separation from employment. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a current affiliate agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at https://www.naces.org/members and be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program. Grade Determination: Chaplain, GS-09. (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs and documenting services provided. (b) Ability to use the information of the spiritual assessment to create care plans in all dimensions of pastoral care. (c) Ability to provide crisis intervention and stabilization. (d) Skill in health care team collaboration to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual issues. (e) Ability to ensure free exercise of religion for patients and staff. (f) Knowledge of individual and group interventions to address spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families; providing referrals for continuity of spiritual care. (g) Skill in the coordination of religious services respecting the faith tradition of individual patients. (h) Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with persons of varied backgrounds. Chaplain, GS-11. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of advance care planning to educate, inform, and counsel patients and families. (b) Skill in guiding patients in verbalizing and expressing values through life review, oral history, and end of life preparation and documentation. (c) Ability to develop pastoral care programs that are measurable, outcome-driven and evidenced based within the department guidelines. (d) 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. (e) Ability to support the development of staff resiliency and develop programs for staff development and wellness by providing spiritual and emotional support. (f) Ability to educate and equip health care staff and trainees screening for spiritual and religious needs of patients and the importance of appropriate referrals to chaplains for complex spiritual distress. (g) 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. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a Chaplain Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 may be required to serve a 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.

The East Orange VA Medical Center is actively recruiting for a Chaplain. This role is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The position resides in the Chaplain Service where the Chaplain provides spiritual care and support to Veterans, their families, and staff as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), Chaplain Service (CS). The position provides services within various settings, including Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), Inpatient Clinics, Outpatient Clinics and domiciliaries throughout the United States. Most Chaplain services are usually provided in a medical facility structure. The CS provides pastoral counseling and treatment to Veteran patients, Patients families and staff in various inpatient and outpatient settings. The duties of the position may include but, are not limited to: The incumbent provides 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 service. The incumbent serves in a developmental Chaplain capacity under the direct supervision and frequent guidance of a higher-grade chaplain for complex non-routine assignments. 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 under the direct supervision and guidance of a higher-grade chaplain. 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 under the direct supervision and guidance of a higher-grade chaplain. 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. Develops measurable, outcome-driven, and evidence-based pastoral care; and creates staff development and wellness programs Maintains cooperative relationships with Medical Center personnel and individuals and groups in the community including local clubs, church groups, special agencies, business organizations and other stakeholders. Provides regular and routine personal visits, special visits, and new patient interviews based on requests and referrals/consults; may involve friendly visitation, ritual and bedside administration of sacraments, or pastoral counseling. Possesses the ability to educate and equip healthcare staff and trainees, screening for spiritual and religious needs of, and the importance of appropriate referrals to chaplains for complex spiritual distress. Uses 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. The incumbent reports to the Chief, Chaplain Service/Supervisory Chaplain within a vast majority of the VHA locations. The incumbent works independently and receives technical and administrative guidance from the Chief, Chaplain Service, or ELT Member who provides strategic guidance and priorities. The incumbent's relationship with Veterans, Veteran patients, management, colleagues, and the public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative. The incumbent displays a cooperative attitude and works effectively together with others to implement the organization's mission and goals. The incumbent ensures productivity is maintained at the established level of the program for which he or she is responsible. Serves as professional clinical Chaplain in specialty clinics such as Inpatient/Outpatient Mental Health, Inpatient/Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Clinics, Hospice, and Palliative Care, Grief and Bereavement Clinics, Women's Health Clinics, Cancer Treatment Centers, Spinal Cord/Polytrauma units, Pain clinics, Infectious Disease Clinics, Whole Health Clinics/Programs, etc. Performs a variety of complex intervention methods, including individual and group interventions to address the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families. Work Schedule: On an as needed basis Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Basic Requirements: 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. 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: National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint. Board Certification. Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®. Board Certification that requires 4 units of CPE is qualifying. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications found on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a current affiliate agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at https://www.naces.org/members and be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program. 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: Chaplain GS-09: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, 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 health care 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. Employees at this grade level serve in an entry level position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision. 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. The chaplain conducts spiritual assessments to identify patient strengths and needs and creates plans for care in response to the moral injuries and spiritual distress of patients. The candidate provides crisis intervention and stabilization as required. The chaplain collaborates with health care teams to create and update treatment plans to address spiritual distress, grief, and loss as existential concerns to enhance holistic care. The chaplain ensures free exercise of religion and protects Veterans from proselytization and coercion from any source. Chaplain GS-11 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting to the experience above, the candidate must 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 health care 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. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years working as a Chaplain Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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 uses an assistive device. The Chaplain is required to speak, hear (hearing aid permitted) and work closely with others. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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.

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. The primary duties of Bureau of Prisons Chaplains are religious accommodation, pastoral care, and faith-based reentry programming to those in federal custody. Chaplains lead worship and religious programming from their own faith tradition, religious credentialing, and endorsement. They work collaboratively with their correctional supervisory chains of command, other institutional departments, religious volunteers, and contracted faith-specific service providers to ensure the protected religious rights of federal offenders under federal laws and agency policies. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis. To be considered for the position, you must meet the following basic qualification requirements: Education: Bachelor's Degree: An applicant must have a conferred 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university. AND Ecclesiastical Endorsement: An Ecclesiastical Endorsement attests to the applicant's suitability for correctional ministry, support for his or her candidacy, a clear assurance statement that the applicant has no present or past legal or moral barrier to congregational ministry, and an affirmation that the applicant will facilitate inmates of all faiths opportunities to pursue individual religious beliefs and practices. The applicant's relationship to the endorsing body must reflect a minimum two-year association before endorsement. In order to receive full consideration for this vacancy, you are required to complete and submit the Bureau of Prisons' Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form (BP-A0679). A copy of this form can be obtained by accessing www.bop.gov or Clicking Here and then click on "Find a Form". AND Religious Credentials: Applicants will be ordained clergy or members of ecclesiastically recognized religious institutes of vowed men or women. In lieu of professional ordination credentials, adequate documentation of the applicant's recognized religious and ministerial roles in their respective faith communities is required. In addition to the above Basic Requirements, applicants must meet the following qualification requirements: Qualification Requirements: Master's degree: GL-09, GS-11, GS-12: Candidates must have a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological education. Equivalent theological education represented by a conferred degree comprised of no less than 72 semester hours of graduate coursework including: 20 semester hours in pastoral ministry; and 20 semester hours in any combination of theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion; and 20 semester hours in the study of sacred writings, including the study of languages in which sacred writings are/were written; and 12 semester hours in religious history and/or world religions. Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements and graduate education requirements qualify for GL-09 grade level. AND Professional Ministry Experience (Specialized Experience): Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant's organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization. GS-11: 2,080 hours (1 year) full-time specialized experience at the next lower grade. GS-12: 4,160 hours (2 years) full-time specialized experience at the next lower grade. Note: Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience. OR Professional Ministry Experience In lieu of Graduate Theological Degree: Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant's organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization. Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements, but do not meet the graduate education requirement, may be found qualified with Professional Ministry Experience. GL-09: 6,240 hours (3 years) full-time specialized experience at the next lower grade. GS-11: 8,320 hours (4 years) full-time specialized experience at the next lower grade. GS-12: 10,400 hours (5 years) full-time specialized experience at the next lower grade. Note: Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Experience in formal religious leadership compatible with the duties of a religious ministry provider in the applicant's organization and relevant to professional chaplaincy. Earned Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units can be credited towards professional ministry experience. All professional ministry experience must be gained while in a relationship with the endorsing religious organization. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and/or professional ministry experience. GL-09: 6,240 hours (3 years) of a combination of qualifying theological education, CPE units, and/or professional ministry experience. GS-11: 8,320 hours (4 years) of a combination of qualifying theological education, CPE units, and/or professional ministry experience. GS-12: 10,400 hours (5 years) of a combination of qualifying theological education, CPE units, and/or professional ministry experience. Note: A two-year conferred graduate theological or religious degree will qualify as 4,160 hours (2 years) of professional ministry experience. Each CPE unit earned will count as 520 hours of professional ministry experience. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, the experience must be properly documented in the resume (see Required Documents section below for more information). AND Selective Placement Factor: Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position. BUDDHIST: GS-09: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community. GS-11: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Buddhist faith. GS-12: Applicant must be of a Buddhist community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Buddhist faith. CATHOLIC: GS-09: Applicant must be of a Catholic community. GS-11: Applicant must be of a Catholic community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Catholic faith. GS-12: Applicant must be of a Catholic community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Catholic faith. JEWISH: GS-09: Applicant must be of a Jewish community. GS-11: Applicant must be of a Jewish community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Jewish faith. GS-12: Applicant must be of a Jewish community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Jewish faith. ISLAMIC: GS-09: Applicant must be of an Islamic community. GS-11: Applicant must be of an Islamic community and have a minimum of 1 year of formal ministry experience in the Islamic faith. GS-12: Applicant must be of an Islamic community and have a minimum of 2 years of formal ministry experience in the Islamic faith. NOTE: All applicants MUST clearly address the Selective Factor in their resume and, if applicable, upload any required documentation (i.e., licensure, certification, or transcripts) at the time you apply. ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MUST BE UPLOADED AT THE TIME YOU APPLY You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2027. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment which is part of your application. This position is in the excepted service. It is excluded from the provisions of the career transition assistance program, and is subject to a trial period. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. Key Requirements: U.S. Citizenship is Required. See Special Conditions of Employment Section. Selective Service Requirement

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a CHAPLAIN (TITLE 32), Position Description Number D1196000 and is part of the IL CAO, National Guard. As a CHAPLAIN (TITLE 32), GS-0060-11, you will manage the state National Guard Chaplain Service (NGCS) religious program, and to ensure the free exercise of religion for National Guard personnel and their families. Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list: Provide full program management services for the State/Territory Chaplain in accordance with National Guard Chaplain Service program goals and objectives. Ensure program changes are compatible and compliant with policies, practices and program goals and objectives established by NGB Office of the Chaplain (NGB-OC). Independently develop and implement the various Chaplain Service functions addressed in the CMRP. Coordinate Chaplain Service personnel attendance at conference, workshops, and training events such as Chaplain Regional Support Training (CREST), Marriage Enhancement Programs, Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training Programs and other training events established by the National Guard Bureau's Chaplain's Office. Coordinate chaplain quality of life programs (e.g. marriage enrichment retreats, post-combat recovery and reintegration, family reunion briefing, stress management briefings, etc.) to National Guard personnel and their families. Provide chaplain support services for National Guard personnel and their families through the full spectrum of the deployment cycle (mobilization, deployment, employment, redeployment, and reconstitution). Coordinate chaplain stress management reduction efforts during all phases of the deployment cycle. Procure and maintain adequate religious supplies ensuring their distribution through the coordination efforts of Family Readiness Groups, chaplain, chaplain assistant, and other supporting chaplains. Under the Supervision of the Chief of Staff , TAG, and State level Chaplain(on M-Day status), coordinates Chaplain Service support during events such as natural disasters(floods, hurricanes, tornados, snowstorms, tsunamis, etc.), man-made disasters (acts of terrorism and technological events, etc.), unit emergencies (suicide, line-of-duty deaths, and serious line-of-duty injuries), and during times of significant national events (Olympics, national conventions and inaugurations, etc.). Provide and/or coordinate religious support to National Guard personnel and their families as needed. Direct Religious Support to Personnel such as Religious rites, sacraments and observances, religious services, Officiating at ceremonies, Pastoral counseling and referral, Visitation, Personnel management issues, and Crisis responder. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The areas of considerations for this position, Title 32 Excepted Service (32 U.S. Code § 709), will be in the following manner and sequence, The FIRST area of consideration for this position will be all excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG. The SECOND area of consideration will be all current Federal Employees. The THIRD area of consideration will be all Federal re-employment eligible. The FOURTH area of consideration will be applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians and gain ILNG membership. The FIFTH area of consideration will be all U.S. Citizens. Military Grades: Officer only - Minimum O2 - Maximum O5 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: MUST possess a baccalaureate degree (not less than 120 semester hours) and successfully completed three years of resident graduate study in theology or related subjects (Master of Divinity), or 72 semester hours (leading to an ecclesiastical certification as a member of the clergy) from an approved seminary or graduate school. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 Level MUST possess at least 3-years'experience, education or training that included progressively responsible work in a professional program of spiritual welfare and religious guidance which demonstrates or provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for successful performance of the position? Note: The major functional areas that comprise the total range of chaplaincy work are (1) the religious ministry, (2) administration, (3) training, and (4) research. 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; religious; 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. Note: Candidates must be ordained by a religious faith group or denomination that is recognized by the Department of Defense Armed Forces Chaplain Board; be educationally qualified for appointment as a chaplain; meet physical standards; and be otherwise qualified to serve as commissioned officers. Applicants must be commissioned prior to age 40 or be less than age 42 with at least 2 years of prior military service. Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experience; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the Illinois National Guard and in the military grade listed in the announcement. This is required prior to the effective date of placement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Selectee will be required to wear a military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a trial period. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. IAW The Fair Chance Act, Agency employees may not request criminal history information at the point of initial application, upon receipt of an application, or prior to, during or after a job interview. If an Optional Form (OF) 306, Declaration of Employment is submitted prior to the point of a conditional offer, questions related to background information section may not be asked. Candidates must complete the (Army) Chaplain Officer Basic Course. Candidates must be ordained by a religious faith group or denomination that is recognized by the Department of Defense Armed Forces Chaplain Board; be educationally qualified for appointment as a chaplain; meet physical standards; and be otherwise qualified to serve as commissioned officers. Applicants must be commissioned prior to age 40 or be less than age 42 with at least 2 years of prior military service. Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.