Chaplain (CPE Educator)

Description:

The incumbent serves as a Chaplain Clinical Pastoral Educator (CPE) performing senior-level clinical assignments for the VHA. The incumbent provides comprehensive 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.

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 :

• BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
  a. 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 to38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• 
  b. 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.
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).

c .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.
d. Board Certification.
(1)Certification. Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified byBCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement withBCCI ®. 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 FPLGS-11 or above.

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 speciality certification) of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation which may also result in separation from employment.


Grade Determinations :
Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Educator), GS-12.
(1)Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(2)Certification. CPE Educators must be certified by an agency whose CPE units of training are recognized by the BCCI ® or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI ®. 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. (Refer to paragraph 3. Definitions).???????

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience
above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to independently educate all levels of CPE students and plan,
organize, and implement all levels of the CPE program.
(b) 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.
(c) Skill in written and verbal communication that are articulate, professional
and cohesive.
(d) Ability to recruit, interview and select students for the CPE program.
(e) Knowledge of professional ethics for certified educators and history of
CPE.
(f) Ability to apply theoretical understanding for and competence in
administering and conducting all levels of CPE programs.
(g) Knowledge of emerging trends and research in the area of pastoral
education.
(h) Knowledge of various conceptual frameworks for developing educational
curriculum.

Preferred Experience: 2-3 years of healthcare experience with CPE supervision and familiarity with ACPE accreditation process preferred.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is 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.