Supervisory Chaplain - Temporary Promotion

This includes U.S. Citizenship, a Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate theological degree from an accredited institution, ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the past 12 months, and board certification from BCCI or a recognized certifying body.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy.
• Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate theological degree from a CHEA- or ATS-accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. An approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized board certification body is acceptable for those without a Master of Divinity.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a NACES affiliate and deemed equivalent to a U.S. program.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement dated within the past 12 months from the official national endorsing authority of your faith group. Loss of endorsement results in removal from the GS-0060 series and possible termination.
• Board certification by BCCI or a U.S. certifying body with a reciprocity agreement with BCCI. Provisional or associate status does not meet this requirement.
• English language proficiency per 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-12.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): knowledge of administrative, personnel, and resource management for chaplaincy programs; ability to provide full supervisory duties; skill in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution; ability to develop local policy and clinical standards; ability to align services with facility and VHA goals; ability to ensure compliance with accreditation standards; skill in prov…
• Preferred experience: supervisory experience, strong communication skills, time management and prioritization.
• Grandfathering provision may apply to current VHA employees who were in the occupation on the effective date of the qualification standard.

Serve as the Supervisory Chaplain providing complete religious ministry services to Veteran patients according to their specific needs and desires.

• Provide thorough guidance and advice to Chaplain Service management staff, other chaplains, and stakeholders.
• Supervise the chaplaincy program of a major faith ministry integrated into VHA's Chaplain program.
• Manage and supervise the full spectrum of chaplaincy service operations.
• Supervise non-supervisory and supervisory professional staff at the GS-12 level or below.
• Manage a moderately complex to very complex chaplain service program with specialty chaplains in Hospice and Palliative Care, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Residential and Outpatient programs, Substance Use Disorder Clinics, Cancer Treatment Clinics, Women's Health Clinics, and Spinal Cord Injury Clinics.
• Perform supervisory and non-supervisory assignments of significant scope, complexity, and variety.

U.S. Citizenship required.

• Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Complete online onboarding process.
• Acceptable REAL ID-compliant identification for pre-employment (driver's licenses or state IDs must be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025).
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Serve a 1- or 2-year trial period; employment may be terminated if continued employment does not advance the public interest.
• Driving physical required; pre-employment examination or evaluation may be needed.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Eligibility depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Contact the hiring agency for specific benefit details.

Open the official application portal and with your the official application portal/Login.gov account.

• Complete the full occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
• Upload your federal resume and all required documents (ecclesiastical endorsement, certification, transcript, SF-50, etc.).
• Review your application and click 'Submit My Answers' to submit your package.
• Ensure your complete application is submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/29/2026.

This temporary promotion is open only to current, permanent employees of the Black Hills VA Health Care System.

• The temporary promotion is not to exceed 1 year, with possible extension of 1 additional year or conversion to permanent.
• Agency contact: Adam Abbott, Phone 612-629-7067, Email [email protected].
• Address: VA Black Hills Health Care System, 113 Comanche Road, Fort Meade, SD 57741.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA HCP; exemptions for medical or religious reasons require wearing a face mask.
• HCP include all VA employees, contractors, volunteers, and trainees who work in VHA locations or come into contact with patients.
• Failure to provide all required documents may result in an ineligible rating.
• The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care to millions of Veterans each year. The Black Hills VA Health Care System serves Veterans in South Dakota and surrounding areas, with facilities including the Fort Meade campus. This Supervisory Chaplain position is part of VHA's commitment to providing complete spiritual care to Veterans. The role supports the Chaplain Service in delivering religious ministry that respects the diverse beliefs of those served. Applicants should be board-certified chaplains with supervisory experience and a strong understanding of VHA chaplaincy standards.

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