Becoming A Volunteer Chaplain Or Lay Chaplain
The Victim Chaplain Association is an all-volunteer organization, made up of ordained and licensed ministers, chaplains, and lay people who are active in Christian congregations across the county. All VCA participants undergo an application, screening, background checking and interview process, then participate in a training and certification program. The training covers the characteristics of trauma, caring for victims and crisis responders in the field as a chaplain, protocols for working with first responders and medical professionals, critical incident stress management, HIPAA, and other laws pertinent to field and clinical settings.
The basic qualifications and commitments of VCA team members are as follows:
1. A Victim Chaplain should be an ecclesiastically certified person in good standing with, and endorsed for chaplaincy by a recognized Christian religious body, and should be licensed or ordained as a clergy member by the endorsing church.
2. A Victim Chaplain shall have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in ministry with their local church.
3. A Victim Chaplain shall have a high degree of training in the specialized field of Grief and Trauma.
4. A Victim Chaplain should be willing to be on call 24/ 7.
5. A Lay Chaplain is an individual that meets all the requirements of a Victim Chaplain but is not licensed or ordained. This individual will exhibit a high degree of Biblical knowledge and maturity of faith.
6. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains must complete VCA's basic training course, VCA team in-service meetings and continuing education as determined by the Board of Directors.
7. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains must submit to and pass a background check arranged by VCA, and required checks and orientation provided by the agencies where they serve as VCA representatives.
8. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains should manifest a broad base of experience in ministry, emotional stability and personal flexibility.
9. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains should be tactful and considerate in interacting all people, regardless of race, sexual orientation, creed or religion.
10. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains will make every effort to assist in identifying and contacting a faith practitioner of the individual that is being served.
11. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains should be willing to become involved in additional training programs that enhance one's efficiency in meeting and dealing with people in crisis and should be familiar with their community helping resources.
12. Victim Chaplains and Lay Chaplains will at all times, on duty and off duty conduct themselves in accordance with civil law, and the highest moral standards, according to the teachings of the Bible.
The basic training program is administered on a supervised self-study basis. It includes textbooks, video seminars, case study analysis, review sessions and onsite observation with an experienced chaplain. Specialized training for service at Kern Medical is also available.
The road to becoming a Victim Chaplain or Lay Chaplain begins by clicking on the contact me tab on the homepage of this website and requesting information about upcoming training opportunities.