Chaplain (CPE Educator)

Description:

This position is part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Chaplain Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE) perform senior-level clinical assignments for VHA by providing comprehensive religious, spiritual, pastoral care and 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.

Requirements:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Chaplains must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• 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.
• 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. 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

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 : In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements.

Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator), GS-12 Experience : One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11)

Board Certification : Must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®.
Note : 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.

AND in addition to the experience above, candidates, must demonstrate all of 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.

Preferred Experience: ACPE Certified Clinical Educator

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 .

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.