Green Card Chaplain Jobs
Chaplain roles at hospitals, prisons, universities, and military installations can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification. Employers document a genuine recruitment effort, secure a prevailing wage determination from DOL, and file an I-140 petition with USCIS, putting you on a path to lawful permanent residency rather than a temporary status.
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Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Afternoon shift; 12:00p - 8:00p Monday - Friday
POSITION PURPOSE
Provides Spiritual Care within his/her local ministry, addressing the spiritual needs of patients, participants, residents, families, and colleagues, with a particular focus on spiritual distress, grief support, crisis intervention, and support during significant life changes. As a fully integrated member of the health care team with professional expertise in Spiritual Care, works alongside other care givers, responding specifically to the spiritual needs of those served. Develops, conducts, and participates in programs of spiritual care to promote healthy communities and sacred environments while facilitating the inclusion of faith leaders from churches, synagogues, and mosques, etc. in the provision of Spiritual Care for their members, as appropriate. Reports directly to the Manager of Spiritual Care and in some cases may also report to an immediate ministry site supervisor as appropriate. The following essential functions do not preclude the possible addition of other duties as well.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
- Makes available, delivers, and facilitates transformative Spiritual Care experiences to patients, residents, participants, visitors, and all colleagues across the healthcare continuum, and the communities served. Ensures that the religious beliefs, practices, and values of those served are honored and respected within the total healing process.
- Implements systems and processes to assess religious and spiritual needs, including needs for ethics consultation, and provides interventions or referrals based on the assessed needs.
- Makes timely, professional observations of apparent outcomes of Spiritual Care provided and adjusts the continued provision of Spiritual Care as needed.
- Documents in the electronic medical record professional Spiritual Care assessments (e.g., assessment of "spiritual distress") as determined, interventions as provided, and outcomes as observed with appropriate plans of care.
- Integrates the Spiritual Care dimension of healing of those served as a full, clinical member of the inter-professional healthcare team.
- In collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager, measures, evaluates, and improves functional processes of Spiritual Care for effectiveness in accordance with approved Mission Integration strategy and tactics connected to achieving system-wide priority objectives.
- Fosters the provision of generalized Spiritual Care to those served (e.g., screening for Spiritual Distress and responding to signs of spiritual distress, etc.) by non-Spiritual Care colleagues via programs of Spiritual Care education and direct modeling of Spiritual Care practices.
- Promotes and implements programs of workplace spirituality for and with colleagues in collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager and the Mission Leader.
- Facilitates opportunities for interfaith or specific faith meditation, prayer, worship, and as appropriate participation in religious sacraments, sometimes in collaboration with clergy or ministers from outside communities. Contributes to maintaining appropriate sacred space.
- Plans and implements programs of ongoing personal self-care and formation to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance and resiliency.
- Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, with other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in theology, religion, spiritual care or spirituality, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One (1) to three (3) years of spiritual care experience, including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training, required. Chaplaincy or spiritual care ministry experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience may be considered.
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) strongly preferred via one of the following licensing groups: APC, CASC, NACC, and NAJC, which includes completion of a master’s degree as required by one of the certifying agencies from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) academic institution with completion of 4 units (1600 hours) of ACPE accredited Spiritual Care education, and faith-based endorsement as recognized by one of the certifying agencies.
- Ability to plan, develop, and implement programs for fulfilling the departmental objectives in meeting the spiritual needs of patients/families throughout the care continuum and life cycle for improving the health of our communities.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in the primary language of the workplace (English) with evidence of excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to present effectively before groups. Must be able to communicate effectively using clinical/medical terminology.
- Ability to learn and proficiently utilize Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software programs.
- Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
- Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to set and organize own work priorities and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Must be able to travel with a local community across a continuum of care to the various Trinity Health sites (10-50%) as needed. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Afternoon shift; 12:00p - 8:00p Monday - Friday
POSITION PURPOSE
Provides Spiritual Care within his/her local ministry, addressing the spiritual needs of patients, participants, residents, families, and colleagues, with a particular focus on spiritual distress, grief support, crisis intervention, and support during significant life changes. As a fully integrated member of the health care team with professional expertise in Spiritual Care, works alongside other care givers, responding specifically to the spiritual needs of those served. Develops, conducts, and participates in programs of spiritual care to promote healthy communities and sacred environments while facilitating the inclusion of faith leaders from churches, synagogues, and mosques, etc. in the provision of Spiritual Care for their members, as appropriate. Reports directly to the Manager of Spiritual Care and in some cases may also report to an immediate ministry site supervisor as appropriate. The following essential functions do not preclude the possible addition of other duties as well.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
- Makes available, delivers, and facilitates transformative Spiritual Care experiences to patients, residents, participants, visitors, and all colleagues across the healthcare continuum, and the communities served. Ensures that the religious beliefs, practices, and values of those served are honored and respected within the total healing process.
- Implements systems and processes to assess religious and spiritual needs, including needs for ethics consultation, and provides interventions or referrals based on the assessed needs.
- Makes timely, professional observations of apparent outcomes of Spiritual Care provided and adjusts the continued provision of Spiritual Care as needed.
- Documents in the electronic medical record professional Spiritual Care assessments (e.g., assessment of "spiritual distress") as determined, interventions as provided, and outcomes as observed with appropriate plans of care.
- Integrates the Spiritual Care dimension of healing of those served as a full, clinical member of the inter-professional healthcare team.
- In collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager, measures, evaluates, and improves functional processes of Spiritual Care for effectiveness in accordance with approved Mission Integration strategy and tactics connected to achieving system-wide priority objectives.
- Fosters the provision of generalized Spiritual Care to those served (e.g., screening for Spiritual Distress and responding to signs of spiritual distress, etc.) by non-Spiritual Care colleagues via programs of Spiritual Care education and direct modeling of Spiritual Care practices.
- Promotes and implements programs of workplace spirituality for and with colleagues in collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager and the Mission Leader.
- Facilitates opportunities for interfaith or specific faith meditation, prayer, worship, and as appropriate participation in religious sacraments, sometimes in collaboration with clergy or ministers from outside communities. Contributes to maintaining appropriate sacred space.
- Plans and implements programs of ongoing personal self-care and formation to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance and resiliency.
- Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, with other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in theology, religion, spiritual care or spirituality, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One (1) to three (3) years of spiritual care experience, including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training, required. Chaplaincy or spiritual care ministry experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience may be considered.
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) strongly preferred via one of the following licensing groups: APC, CASC, NACC, and NAJC, which includes completion of a master’s degree as required by one of the certifying agencies from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) academic institution with completion of 4 units (1600 hours) of ACPE accredited Spiritual Care education, and faith-based endorsement as recognized by one of the certifying agencies.
- Ability to plan, develop, and implement programs for fulfilling the departmental objectives in meeting the spiritual needs of patients/families throughout the care continuum and life cycle for improving the health of our communities.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in the primary language of the workplace (English) with evidence of excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to present effectively before groups. Must be able to communicate effectively using clinical/medical terminology.
- Ability to learn and proficiently utilize Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software programs.
- Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
- Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to set and organize own work priorities and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Must be able to travel with a local community across a continuum of care to the various Trinity Health sites (10-50%) as needed. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 129+ Green Card Chaplain Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Chaplain
Align your credentials with EB classification
A master's degree in divinity or pastoral counseling typically supports EB-2. If you hold only a bachelor's degree plus two or more years of chaplaincy experience, EB-3 skilled worker is the right fit. Clarify your category before approaching employers so sponsorship conversations start on accurate footing.
Target institutional employers over congregations
Hospitals, federal prisons, VA medical centers, and accredited universities run HR and legal departments experienced with PERM filings. Independent congregations rarely have the administrative infrastructure to manage DOL recruitment tests and I-140 petitions, making institutional roles far more viable for green card sponsorship.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with documented green card filing history for chaplain and related roles. Focusing your search on organizations that have sponsored before saves time and avoids employers who are unfamiliar with or unwilling to undertake the PERM process.
Request a prevailing wage determination early
Before PERM can be filed, your employer must obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL using the OFLC Wage Search. Encourage your prospective employer to initiate this step during offer negotiations so it doesn't delay the PERM timeline after you've accepted the role.
Document interfaith and clinical credentials specifically
PERM job requirements must reflect the actual duties of the role. If the position involves clinical pastoral education in a hospital setting, ensure your CPE units and board certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization are documented, since DOL will scrutinize whether the requirements are unduly restrictive.
Understand AC21 portability before you file
Once your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 portability lets you change employers if the new chaplaincy role is in the same or a similar occupation. Your approved I-140's priority date can also carry over to a new employer's petition, protecting your place in the queue.
Green Card Chaplain: Frequently Asked Questions
Do chaplain roles qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Both categories can apply depending on your credentials. EB-2 covers chaplains with an advanced degree such as a master of divinity or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience. EB-3 covers professionals with a bachelor's degree and skilled workers with at least two years of experience. The employer's PERM job description determines which category fits the specific role.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B sponsorship for chaplains?
Green card sponsorship leads to lawful permanent residency, not a temporary status. The process starts with PERM labor certification filed with DOL, which requires a prevailing wage determination and a documented recruitment test before USCIS ever sees the I-140 petition. H-1B visa involves a Labor Condition Application and an annual lottery. Green card sponsorship has no lottery but does have per-country numerical limits that can create priority-date backlogs for nationals of high-demand countries like India and China.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor a chaplain for a green card?
Hospitals, VA medical centers, federal correctional institutions, accredited universities, and large healthcare systems are the most common sponsors. These organizations have established HR and legal processes for navigating PERM filings, prevailing wage determinations, and I-140 petitions. Independent or small congregations typically lack the administrative capacity to manage the multi-step DOL and USCIS process required for employment-based green card sponsorship.
How can I find chaplain employers who have sponsored green cards before?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified green card sponsorship history, letting you focus your search on organizations that have already navigated the PERM and I-140 process for similar roles. Targeting employers with a track record significantly reduces the risk of investing months in an application process with an employer who ultimately declines to sponsor.
Can I change employers after my green card application is filed?
Yes, under AC21 job portability rules, once your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, you can move to a new employer if the chaplaincy role is in the same or a similar occupation. Additionally, if your original employer's I-140 was already approved, your priority date can carry over to a new employer's I-140 petition, preserving your position in the queue.