As a Supervisor - Chaplain Services with the Department of National Defence, you will provide spiritual care, guidance, and support to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. In this supervisory role, you lead a team of chaplains and support staff, ensuring the delivery of inclusive, professional chaplaincy services across military units and establishments. You will manage operations, coordinate programming, and foster a supportive environment that respects the diverse spiritual and ethical beliefs of the military community.
Your responsibilities include overseeing chaplaincy teams, developing and implementing service delivery strategies, managing budgets and resources, and ensuring compliance with DND policies and standards of practice. You will also mentor chaplains in their professional development, conduct performance management, and liaise with military leadership, civilian agencies, and faith community partners. This role requires strong leadership skills, cultural competency, and a deep commitment to supporting personnel wellbeing.
You will work in a structured military environment with exposure to various operational contexts. The position offers opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of service members and their families, contributing directly to military readiness and personnel morale. Work may involve travel to different bases and deployments, with some on-call or emergency response expectations depending on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily chaplain services operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold recognized ordination, certification, or credentials within your faith tradition or ethical belief system, as recognized by DND. Most candidates hold a bachelor's degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or a related field, often complemented by specialized chaplaincy training or certification.
Required certifications include completion of the Canadian Armed Forces Chaplaincy Course (or equivalent), and many candidates pursue additional qualifications such as clinical pastoral education (CPE), crisis intervention training, or mental health first aid. You should demonstrate knowledge of military culture, DND policies, and the Canadian Armed Forces structure.
The Department supports ongoing professional development through access to training programs, conferences, and specialized courses in areas such as trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. Supervisors are encouraged to maintain their professional credentials and engage in continuing education throughout their careers.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Supervisor - Chaplain Services position typically occurs through advertised public service competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and DND civilian careers website. Most candidates enter as Chaplains first and advance to supervisory roles through internal promotions or lateral competitions.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you hold equivalent supervisory experience in related fields such as healthcare, social services, or faith-based organizations. The Public Service Commission manages recruitment and ensures fair, open competitions based on merit. Some positions may be filled through staffing pools or priority hire programs for designated groups.
Students interested in chaplaincy careers can explore co-op placements, student summer positions, or bridging programs offered by DND. The Department also recognizes the value of diverse recruitment pathways and may consider candidates with strong supervisory experience and a commitment to military chaplaincy services. Interested candidates should regularly check Job Bank postings and contact their local DND recruitment office for information on current opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time options for the Supervisor - Chaplain Services role are limited, as supervisory positions typically require full-time commitment to effectively manage teams, coordinate operations, and provide leadership. However, the Department of National Defence remains committed to supporting work-life balance through flexible arrangements where operationally feasible.
Flexible work schedules may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, particularly regarding core hours and telework eligibility for administrative duties. Some chaplaincy functions, such as counselling or spiritual care coordination, may have flexible scheduling depending on operational needs and team structure. Remote work options exist for specific administrative and planning tasks, though the role inherently requires in-person presence to deliver direct chaplaincy services and maintain team leadership.
Eligibility for part-time work, job sharing, or compressed work weeks should be discussed directly with your supervisor and DND Human Resources, as accommodations are assessed based on operational requirements, team needs, and individual circumstances. The Department encourages employees to discuss their flexibility needs early in the hiring process or upon taking the position.
