Veterans Services Director

Job Summary

Performs responsible administrative work providing all Veteran's Affairs programs for veterans, their dependents or survivors. Serves as the county government and MN Department of Veteran's Affairs liaison to the veterans organizations within the county. Provides counseling in available financial assistance and benefits. Exercises supervision of office staff. Work is generally performed in an office setting; however, some field work is required. This position carries the statutory appointment of Veterans Service Officer as defined by MN. Stat. 197.60, subd. 1.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Counsels and assists veterans and their dependents or survivors as to benefit eligibility, scope of benefits, and how to obtain them.
• Interviews veterans and their dependents or survivors to obtain information relative to filing for benefits.
• Maintains liaison with state and federal veteran program administrators concerning new programs, problem cases, and current policies and procedures.
• Hires and supervises the activities of office staff and drivers.
• Promotes awareness of the programs and issues to the community through such things as: creating newsletters, writing newspaper articles, devising and preparing displays, participating in community showcases, etc.
• Performs community outreach by establishing and maintaining working relationships with organizations representing veterans and their dependents.
• Prepares necessary forms, makes investigative reports, and secures supporting documentation needed for submitting applications for specific benefits.
• Prepares annual department budget and administers the budget as approved by the County Board.
• Attends meetings, training sessions through the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, and/or Minnesota Department of Veteran's Affairs.
• Regularly presents to and speaks in front of large groups explaining programs and services offered.
• Maximizes the use of federal and state funding to provide services to eligible veterans.
• Devises and develops department goals, strategies, and objectives; initiates policies, procedures, and actions to ensure their outcome.
• Prepares and executes the annuals MN Department of Veterans Affairs grant.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a Minnesota resident, US citizen, veteran as defined by MS 197.447, and meet the other qualifications as defined by MS 197.601. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. One must have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to advocate for the needs of others. Preference given for experience working with veterans service programs and benefits and supervisory experience.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs as to methods of operation. The department is within the Health & Human Services Division. The employee reports to the Health and Human Services Director. Broad discretion is used in implementing and maintaining effective Veteran's Affairs programs. Work is reviewed through meetings and progress reports.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of laws and procedures governing the preparation and submission of applications for veterans benefits.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures in veteran service program.
• Knowledge of county, state, and federal computer systems.
• Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations relating to the veteran service program.
• Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, veterans organizations, county staff, other governmental units, and the general public.
• Ability to explain laws, rules, and regulations relating to the veteran service program to clients and the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate written and verbal communication skills including individual interviews and public presentations.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.