**Board of Excepted Service Examiners Announcement BESE A1**

**VA National Chaplain Center**

**Hampton, Virginia 23667**

Issue Date: April 20, 1998

OCCUPATION: Chaplain

GRADES: GS-11 and GS-12

JOB LOCATIONS: Veterans Affairs Health Care Facilities

> throughout the United States

**APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
FOR THE FOLLOWING:**

**(1) Contract or Fee-basis work at VA Health Care facilities.** These
types of utilization are **NOT** employment. Persons interested in
contract or fee basis work must contact individual VA Medical Centers at
which they wish to work.

**(2) Temporary** employment to meet short-term needs. Individual VA
Medical Centers recruit locally for temporary positions. Persons given
temporary appointments may **not** become permanent VA chaplains without
competing in accordance with the provisions of this announcement

**(3)** **Supervisory** chaplain positions. Supervisory positions are
generally filled from within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, when recruitment from outside VA is desired, such positions
will be announced on USAJOBS (phone 912-757-3000, or on the internet at
[www.usajobs.opm.gov](http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/))

**(4)** Chaplains responsible for administration of accredited
**Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs**. See announcement BESE
CPE-A "Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor)"

This describes application procedures and qualification requirements for
employment as a Chaplain in the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs. Applications will be accepted continuously until further
notice. Applications will be kept on file for one year and considered

for vacancies as they arise.

**DUTIES OF VA CHAPLAINS**

Chaplains work at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics,
and Domiciliaries throughout the United States. **Chaplains at GS-11**
provide a complete religious ministry to veteran patients. They address
religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical problems of the patient,
providing ministration to the newly-admitted, pre- and post-operative
patients, the critically ill, and the families concerned. Each chaplain
provides pastoral ministry to patients of his/her own faith group,
including conscientious attention during emergency and crisis
situations. Chaplains provide guidance and religious instruction to
individuals and groups; arrange for and conduct weekly religious worship
services; and, as required, conduct \"ward services\" for those unable
to attend regular chapel services. Chaplains maintain cooperative
relationships with Medical Center personnel and individuals and groups
in the community. This work is carried out in a pluralistic environment;
and each chaplain is sensitive to the religious needs of many separate
religious denominations and faith groups. **GS-12 chaplains**, in
addition to the duties described above: provide a complete religious
ministry to patients and their families which encompasses all aspects of
pastoral care (counseling, preaching, leading worship and ordinances,
and education); participate with other healthcare professionals as part
of an interdisciplinary team in planning and carrying out patient care;
develop relationships with the larger community which support the
Medical Center mission; and respond to emergency calls from patients and
family members. The work emphasizes an ecumenical, team approach to
assignments.

**APPOINTMENT AND PAY OF CHAPLAINS**

Positions may be full time, part time, or intermittent. Intermittent
positions have no prescheduled tour of duty. GS-12 positions may be
filled at GS-11, according to the needs of the facility at which the
position is located. In such cases, the selected individual may be
promoted to GS-12 after training. All Chaplains appointed through this
announcement will be given permanent appointments in the excepted civil
service. Newly appointed chaplains serve a one-year trial period.
Persons appointed to full time and part time positions receive civil
service benefits, including generous vacation and sick leave, military
leave, federal employee group life insurance, federal employee health
benefits, and coverage under the federal employee retirement system.
Excepted service employees are not eligible to transfer to positions in
the competitive civil service. Federal pay rates vary by locality.

**QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS**

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

\(1\) **Citizenship:** Must be a citizen of the United States.

\(2\) **Ecclesiastical Endorsement:** Must possess ecclesiastical
endorsement, dated within the past 12 months, from the **official
national endorsing body** of his/her faith group or denomination.
Ecclesiastical endorsement is the written official statement of the
endorsing body certifying that the applicant is in good standing with
the faith group or denomination and 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.

\(3\) **Education:** All applicants must possess the degree of Master of
Divinity or equivalent educational qualifications. Education must be
from college(s), university(ies), or theological institution(s) which
are accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department
of Education. **Equivalent educational qualifications means** possession
of a bachelor's degree of at least 120 semester hours **plus**
completion of not less than **70** semester hours of graduate course
work which included all of the following: **20** semester hours in
pastoral ministry; **20** semester hours in any combination of theology,
ethics and philosophy of religion; **20** semester hours in the study of
sacred writings, including the study of languages in which sacred
writings are/were written; **10** semester hours in religious history
and/or world religions.

\(4\) **Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE):** In addition to the
education requirements, applicants must have completed at least **2
units** of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) \[as defined by the
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), or the National
Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)\]. **800** hours of supervised
ministry in a healthcare setting *which incorporated both ministry
formation and pastoral care skills development* may be substituted for
the required CPE.

\(5\) **Experience: For GS-11,** at least two years of professional
experience, after completion of the M. Div. or equivalent, which has
demonstrated both practical pastoral knowledge and skill, and ability to
minister in a pluralistic setting. Supervised or guided pastoral
experience completed **during** graduate professional education may be
credited for up to one of the two years of experience. Completion of a
doctoral degree directly related to pastoral ministry may be substituted
for one year of experience.

**For GS-12**, in addition to the requirements for GS-11, at least **one
year** of professional experience, equivalent in complexity and
responsibility to the GS-11 level, which has demonstrated **all** of the
following: (a) ability to serve as a consultant or expert to a
multidisciplinary treatment team; (b) in-depth knowledge of related
professional fields, particularly in the behavioral sciences;
(c) understanding of, and ability to respond to, the particular concerns
and issues pertaining to treatment of veterans; (d) knowledge of the
structure, regulations, practices, and programs of health care delivery
systems; (e) Ability to interpret and apply a body of rules,
regulations, policies, and procedures in professional practice; (f)
ability to develop and maintain liaisons with a variety of outside
organizations.

\(6\) **English Language Competency:** All applicants must be proficient
in written and spoken English.

\(7\) **Selective Service Registration:** By law, all males born after
December 31, 1959 must have registered with the selective service system
(the draft) or have a valid exemption.

\(8\) **Specialized Positions:** Positions with specialized clinical
assignments, such as mental health or substance abuse, require
additional applicable knowledges, skills, and abilities.

**[HOW TO APPLY]{.underline}**

**Submit the following material to the address given below:**

\(1\) An **application** form or resume (federal forms OF-612 or SF-171
may be used but are not mandatory)

\(2\) Optional Form **306 "Declaration for Federal Employment"**

\(3\) **Ecclesiastical endorsement** dated within the past 12 months
(*Most ecclesiastical endorsers will send endorsements directly to the
Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Chaplain Service, in
Hampton, Virginia. Applicants cannot be considered for positions until
their endorsement is received at the Headquarters Chaplain Service).*

\(4\) **Veterans claiming preference** should also submit a copy of each
of their military discharge forms (DD-214), and, if claiming 10-point
preference, \"Claim for 10-point Veterans Preference\" (SF-15) with
supporting documentation as specified in the instructions on that form

\(5\) **Official transcripts** of undergraduate and graduate education

\(6\) copies of any appropriate **certifications,** including
documentation of **Clinical Pastoral Education**

\(7\) Responses to the **rating factors** listed on the enclosed page
(you may respond on bond paper); **NOTE:** there are different rating
factors for Chaplain GS-11 (full performance level) and Chaplain GS-11
(potential 12) or 12. Please respond to **one or both** sets of factors
according to your interest in one or more grade levels.

\(8\) Written **specification of the locations, grades, and work
schedules for which you wish to be considered** (use the forms "Chaplain
Grade and Schedule Options Desired" and "Department of Veterans Affairs
Locations" or you may specify your preferences on a separate page.)

**Forms may be obtained from the Human Resources Management Service at
any VA Medical Center, or phone the National VA Chaplain Center: (757)
728-3180**.

**For further information on VA Chaplaincy, see our website at
[www.va.gov/chaplain](http://www.va.gov/chaplain)**

**EVALUATION OF APPLICANTS**: Applicants who meet the minimum
qualification requirements will be given a numerical rating between 70
and 100 based upon their possession of the knowledges, skills and
abilities required for this occupation. Veterans will be given
preference as required by law. All applicants will be notified of the
results of the review of their qualifications by the Board of Excepted
Service Examiners. Job selections are made from among the best qualified
candidates available in accordance with federal law and policy.
Applicants may submit additional or updated information whenever they so
desire. Applicants selected for interview or employment will be
contacted by local VA facilities. *Failure to reply to official
correspondence will result in the applicant being eliminated from
further consideration.*

**The Department of Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All applicants will be considered without regard to discriminatory
factors which are prohibited by law.**

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RESCINDS BESE ANNOUNCEMENTS BESE 11-1 AND BESE 12-1
DATED 3/22/95

**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS**

**BOARD OF EXCEPTED SERVICE EXAMINERS**

**RATING FACTORS FOR CHAPLAINS**

Qualified applicants will be evaluated on their possession of the
factors listed below. Please describe your experience, education,
training, awards and other specific accomplishments that demonstrate
your possession of the rating factors for the grade(s) for which you
wish to be considered. Providing this information is voluntary; however,
failure to give complete information may result in your receiving less
than full credit in the rating process. You may provide responses on
separate sheets of bond paper. Your name and social security number
should be on the top of each sheet.

**GS-11 (full performance level)**

**1. Ability to communicate orally**

Describe your accomplishments that demonstrate the breadth and
complexity of oral communication that you have performed. Describe the
most difficult communication tasks you have performed in your
professional practice and in outside activities.

**2. Ability to communicate in writing**

Describe the most difficult and complex written communication you have
performed. Describe how you have incorporated written communication into
your professional practice and outside activities.

**3. Ability to deal effectively with others**

Describe your accomplishments in leading or supervising others. Describe
achievements in negotiating settlements, solving interpersonal problems,
motivating and persuading others.

**4.** **Ability to minister to persons from various social, cultural,
and racial backgrounds**

Describe your experience in relating with and ministering to clergy,
patients, and others from various faith and value traditions. Describe
any accomplishments in developing interfaith relationships.

**5. Ability to provide or facilitate liturgical and sacramental
ministry to persons from various religious backgrounds**

Describe your ministry experience and current professional practice that
demonstrates your knowledge of various liturgical principles and
practices.

**GS-11 (potential 12) or 12**

**1.** **Ability to communicate orally and in writing**

Describe your accomplishments in oral and written communication.
Describe your use of these abilities in your professional experience in
religious instruction, pastoral care, and participation in
multidisciplinary teams/committees. List and describe any publications.

**2. Ability to provide pastoral care and counseling in a healthcare
setting.**

Describe in detail your experience in providing ministry in health-care
settings. Describe the workplace, the type(s) of patients or clients
served, and your participation as a member of multidisciplinary
treatment team(s). Be sure to include any experience with veterans. List
any relevant training or education. Describe your qualifications in any
clinical specialties and attach supporting documentation.

**3. Ability to provide ministry in a pluralistic setting**

Describe your experience in relating with clergy, patients, and others
from various faith and value traditions. Describe any accomplishments in
developing interfaith relationships. Describe your experience in
ministering to persons from a variety of faith groups.

**4. Knowledge of worship principles and practices**

Describe your ministry experience and current professional practice that
demonstrates your knowledge of various worship (liturgical) principles
and practices.

**5. Ability to establish relationships and deal effectively with
others**

Describe your experiences in leading or supervising others. Describe
your involvement in community and civic activities. Be sure to describe
your relationships with professional associations, interdisciplinary
teams, veterans organizations, fraternal organizations, etc.

**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS**

**BOARD OF EXCEPTED SERVICE EXAMINERS**

LIST OF CLINICAL SPECIALTIES

Please check on the list below any clinical specialties in which you
would like to work. You must include in your application material
information and supporting documents to demonstrate that (in addition to
meeting the minimum requirements for VA Chaplaincy) you are qualified to
provide pastoral care in the requested specialty(ies). If a specialized
position becomes available in a specialty not listed below, all
applicants in our active file who are available for the particular
location, work schedule and grade, will be contacted to ascertain their
interest and qualifications.

**Most chaplain positions do not require expertise in a clinical
specialty. Your answers on this page will not affect your consideration
for non-specialized positions.**

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} AIDS/HIV

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Domiciliary Care

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Homelessness

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Mental Health

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Oncology

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Palliative Care/Hospice

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"} Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"}Spinal Cord Injury

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"}Women's Issues

[ٱ]{dir="rtl"}**None of the above**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED**

Number range CHAPTER**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS**

**BOARD OF EXCEPTED SERVICE EXAMINERS**

**CHAPLAIN GRADE AND SCHEDULE OPTIONS DESIRED\***

(submit this form with the other material requested in announcement
BESE-A1)

**GRADE(S) DESIRED** *(check as many as apply)*

I wish to be considered for the following grade(s):

( ) grade GS-11 (full performance level)

( ) grade GS-11 (with promotion potential to GS-12)

( ) grade GS-12

( ) all of the above

**WORK SCHEDULES DESIRED** *(check as many as apply)*

I wish to be considered for the following work schedules:

( ) full time (40 hours per week)

( ) part time 30 to 35 hours per week

( ) part time 24 to 29 hours per week

( ) part time 16 to 23 hours per week

( ) part time 10 to 15 hours per week

( ) intermittent (no regularly scheduled hours)

**AVAILABILITY**

If selected for employment I am available to report for work within
\_\_\_\_\_\_ days after notification; or by \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(date)

**YOUR NAME (please print)**

**YOUR SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED**

**\*You may change these preferences whenever you desire by submitting a
new copy of this form. However, if you decline consideration three times
for position(s) which meet the options you have indicated you will
accept, your application will no longer be considered.**

**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LOCATIONS**

You may circle on this sheet up toTEN codes representing locations,
states, and/or regions where you would like to be considered should a
chaplain position become available. You may select any combination of
regions, states, locations, or the entire U.S. (The 5 digits after the
location is the zip code)

**100 ENTIRE**

> **CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES**

**REGIONS**

**901 NORTHEAST**

(CT,ME,MA,NH,RI,VT

NJ,NY)

**902 ATLANTIC**

(DE,MD,PA,VA,WV,DC)

**903 SOUTHEAST**

(AL,FL,GA,KY,MS,NC

SC,TN,PR)

**904 MIDWEST** (IL,IN,MI,OH,WI)

**905 NORTH CENTRAL**

(IA,MN,NE,ND,SD)

**906 SOUTH CENTRAL**

(AR,C0,KS,LA,MO,OK,

TX)

**907 NORTHWEST**

(AK,ID,MT,OR,WA,WY)

**908 SOUTHWEST**

(AZ,CA,NV,NM,UT,HI)

**101 ALABAMA**

521 Birmingham 35233

619 Montgomery

36193

679 Tuscaloosa 35404

680 Tuskegee 36083

**102 ALASKA**

383 Anchorage 99501

**103 ARIZONA**

644 Phoenix 85012

649 Prescott 88313

678 Tucson 85723

**104 ARKANSAS**

564 Fayetteville

72701

598 Little Rock

72205

**105 CALIFORNIA**

570 Fresno 93703

599 Livermore94550

605 Loma Linda 92357

600 Long Beach 90822

691 W. Los Angeles

90073

752 \*Los Angeles

90013

640 Palo Alto 94304

664 San Diego 92161

662 San Francisco

94121

665 Sepulveda 91343

**106 COLORADO**

554 Denver 80220

567 Fort Lyon 81038

575 Grand Junction

81501

**107 CONNECTICUT**

627 Newington 06111

689 West Haven 06516

**108 DELAWARE**

460 Wilmington 19805

**109 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA**

688 Washington 20422

**110 FLORIDA**

516 Bay Pines 33504

573 Gainesville

32602

594 Lake City 32055

546 Miami 33125

673A \*Orlando 32803

673 Tampa 33612

548 West Palm Beach

33410-6400

**111 GEORGIA**

509 Augusta 30910

508 Decatur

(Atlanta) 30033

557 Dublin 31021

**112 HAWAII**

359 \*Honolulu 96813

**113 IDAHO**

531 Boise 83702

**114 ILLINOIS**

535 Chicago Lakeside

60611

537 Chicago Westside

80680

550 Danville 61832

578 Hines 60141

609 Marion 62959

556 North Chicago

60064

**115 INDIANA**

569 Fort Wayne 46805

583 Indianapolis

46204

610 Marion 46952

**116 IOWA**

555 Des Moines 50310

584 Iowa City 52240

592 Knoxville 50138

**117 KANSAS**

686 Leavenworth

66048

677 Topeka 66622

452 Wichita 67218

**118 KENTUCKY**

596 Lexington 40511

603 Louisville 40202

**119 LOUISIANA**

502 Alexandria 71301

629 New Orleans

70146

667 Shreveport 71130

**120 MAINE**

402 Togus 04330

**121 MARYLAND**

512 Baltimore 21218

566 Fort Howard

21052

641 Perry Point

21902

**122 MASSACHUSETTS**

518 Bedford 01730

523 Boston 02130 524 \*Boston 02108

525 Brockton 02401

631 Northampton

01060

**123 MICHIGAN**

553 Detroit 48101

506 Ann Arbor 48105

515 Battle Creek

49106

585 Iron Mountain

49801

655 Saginaw 48602

**124 MINNESOTA**

618 Minneapolis

55417

656 St. Cloud 56301

**125 MISSISSIPPI**

520 Biloxi 39531

586 Jackson 39216

**126 MISSOURI**

543 Columbia 65201

589 Kansas City

64128

647 Poplar Bluff

63901

657 St. Louis 63125

**127 MONTANA**

436 Fort Harrison

59636

617 Miles City 59301

**128 NEBRASKA**

574 Grand Island

68801

597 Lincoln 68510

636 Omaha 68105

**129 NEVADA**

654 Reno 89520

758 \*Las Vegas 89102

**130 NEW HAMPSHIRE**

608 Manchester 03104

**131 NEW JERSEY**

561 East Orange

07019

604 Lyons 07939

**132 NEW MEXICO**

501 Albuquerque

87108

**133 NEW YORK**

500 Albany 12208

513 Batavia 14020

514 Bath 14810

526 Bronx 10468

527 Brooklyn 11209

528 Buffalo 14215

532 Canandaigua

14424

533 Castle Point

12511

620 Montrose 10548

630 New York 10001

632 Northport 11768

670 Syracuse 13210

**134 N. CAROLINA**

637 Asheville

28805

558 Durham 27705

565 Fayetteville

28301

659 Salisbury

28144

**135 NORTH DAKOTA**

437 Fargo 58102

**136 OHIO**

538 Chillicothe

45601

539 Cincinnati

45220

541 Cleveland

44106

757 \*Columbus 43221

552 Dayton 45428

**137 OKLAHOMA**

623 Muskogee 74401

635 Oklahoma City

73104

**138 OREGON**

648 Portland 97201

653 Roseburg 97470

692 \*\*White City

97501

**139 PENNSYLVANIA**

503 Altoona 16603

529 Butler 15001

542 Coatesville

19320

562 Erie 16501

595 Lebanon 17042

642 Philadelphia

19104

645 Pittsburgh 15206

(Highland Drive)

646 Pittsburgh 15240

(University Drive)

693 Wilkes-Barre

18711

**140 PUERTO RICO**

672 San Juan 00927

**141 RHODE ISLAND**

650 Providence 02908

**142 S.CAROLINA**

534 Charleston 29403

544 Columbia 29201

**143 SOUTH DAKOTA**

568 Fort Meade 57741

579 Hot Springs

57747

438 Sioux Falls

57117

**144 TENNESSEE**

614 Memphis 38104

621 Mountain Home

37601

622 Murfreesboro

37130

626 Nashville 37203

**145 TEXAS**

504 Amarillo 79106

519 Big Spring 79720

522 Bonham 75418

549 Dallas 75216

756 \*El Paso 79925

580 Houston 77211

591 Kerrville 78028

611 Marlin 76561

671 San Antonio

78284

674 Temple 76501

685 Waco 76711

**146 UTAH**

660 Salt Lake City

84148

**147 VERMONT**

405 White River

Junction 05001

**148 VIRGINIA**

590 Hampton 23667

652 Richmond 23249

658 Salem 24153

**149 WASHINGTON**

505 American Lake

(Tacoma) 98493

663 Seattle 98108

668 Spokane 99208

648 Vancouver 98661

687 Walla WaIla

99362

**150 WEST VIRGINIA**

517 Beckley 25801

540 Clarksburg 26301

581 Huntington 25704

613 Martinsburg

25401

**151 WISCONSIN**

607 Madison 53705

695 Milwaukee 53295

676 Tomah 54660

**152 WYOMING**

442 Cheyenne 82001

666 Sheridan 82801

\*Outpatient clinic only

\*\*Domiciliary only