Chaplain (CPE Educator)

Full Job 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.

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. Major Duties:

Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Serves as a certified Chaplain (CPE) providing comprehensive, religious ministry services and training to Veteran patients and students according to their specific needs.

Carries out an education ministry with the CPE Center. Provides thorough guidance and advice to Chaplain Service management staff, students, other Chaplains, and stakeholders.

Manages the daily operations of the CPE Center and develops and implements program policies and procedures.

Serves as a certified educator of record for all CPE students for an assigned designated area.

Provides administrative oversight and programmatic resources and monitors educational outcomes..\ Maintains records for all educator evaluations, student records, center portfolio, and CPE accreditation requirements, which may include off-site CPE satellite and placement contracts.

Seeks approval for allied health trainee positions through the Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). Conducts recruitment and interviews and selects students for the CPE program.

Ensures all documentation is completed for compliance. Develops educational curricula that are measurable, outcome-oriented, and evidence-based and designed to meet board certification competencies.

Provides extended and intensive pastoral counseling as an integral part of the treatment program with patients facing complex, ethical, moral, and/or spiritual issues.

Monitors the CPE Center's program effectiveness and modification of service pattern, which includes research and leadership of clinical teams.

Develops and implements methods to measure the effectiveness of the Chaplain educational program. Uses outcome evaluations to improve educational services and to design education system changes.

Provides leadership, direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, staff development, and continuing education programs.

Serves as a primary senior Chaplain education resource, spiritual advisor, and liaison for the spiritual needs of Veterans patients, students, caregivers, and staff.

Conducts comprehensive religious services and worship, pastoral ministry, and administration of Chaplain services.

Addresses the religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical problems of patients and staff through educational means.

Completes various complex educational projects, task groups, and assignments to obtain pertinent high-level information needed for Chaplain Service senior management officials.

Ensures various complex educational training assignments are carried out in a pluralistic environment. Uses effective written communication skills to articulate professional and cohesive information.

Effectively adheres to all accreditation standards, processes, and practices to promptly submit all required program reports, center portfolio, or other pertinent documents.

Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally with persons of varied backgrounds to write policies, procedures, and/or practice guidelines on the service delivery area.

Educates all levels of CPE students independently. Plans, organizes, and implements all levels of the CPE program.

Conducts assessments to identify student's strengths and needs and creates educational plans for students. Serves as a liaison to local seminaries, ordained persons, and others concerning CPE.

Participates in the broader life of Accredited CPE through the National and Community of Practice events.

Develops curriculum for an internship program, supervises students clinical work, and evaluates student's performance.

Coordinates work schedule with other VHA Chaplains Uses significant religious devotional literature, films, etc.

to conduct individual or group educational discussions, Bible classes, instructional classes, and tutoring for courses completed by correspondence. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full time Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized