Veterans Service Office Administrator/Director
Summary
The Pottawattamie County Veterans Service Office is seeking a qualified candidate for the Administrator/Director of Veterans Affairs position!
This position is responsible for administration of the Veterans Service Office department, supervision of subordinate employees and application of state and federal laws for processing and managing applications for veterans’ compensation, benefits, and assistance. Promotes outreach operations in support of local veterans and department operations.
Essential Functions
Prepare an annual departmental budget for approval by the Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Once approved, implement the departmental budget in compliance with County, State, and Federal laws.
Participate in required audits of the departmental budget.
Supervise and train subordinate employees in all applicable procedures and evaluate work performance on a continual basis.
Maintain and update departmental procedures which provide for equitable application of state and federal laws regulating veterans affairs and benefits, and present same to Commission and Board of Supervisors for approval.
Accept, investigate and process all applications for assistance, compensation, and benefits including completion of all paperwork required under state and federal law.
Interview applicants in person and on the telephone to obtain documentation and information required to process the application.
Assist veterans with completing applications for assistance, pension, service-connected disabilities, social security benefits, etc., including obtaining proper forms required to determine eligibility.
Compile monthly and annual reports for presentation to and review by the Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and/or Iowa State agencies.
Network with other agencies and programs to aid veterans in obtaining assistance which is not provided directly by Veterans Service Office.
Maintain, update and submit veteran files, records and reports regarding contact and assistance as mandated by state and federal law.
Participate in outreach support and mobile van operations which may occur after normal office hours and / or communities around the region.
Successfully complete all required training events and maintain certification(s) associated with the Director / Administrator / Case Worker positions.
Other duties as assigned by the Commission, Board of Supervisors, or State / Federal laws.
Conduct house calls to applicants as necessary to obtain required information.
When required, physically or virtually attend local, regional, state, or federal events or training.
Answer the telephone, greet clients, maintain file system, type reports, records and correspondence and sort departmental mail.
Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.
Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability
Qualifications as mandated by the Code of Iowa, Chapter 35, 35A and 35B.
Considerable knowledge of county, Iowa and federal laws, which mandate benefits, procedures and regulations pertaining to veterans affairs.
Considerable knowledge or experience with interviewing techniques.
Achieve expert knowledge of the principles of analyzing, compiling and submitting required reports and statistics obtained through personal interviews and investigations.
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of and ability to utilize research and investigation techniques.
Maintain current knowledge of community resources and programs available as referrals for applicants.
Considerable knowledge of basic computer skills and data entry and retrieval procedures. Software programs may include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, and / or similar packages.
Consistently demonstrate the ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the general public, government officials and fellow employees.
Possess experience in conflict resolution and change management skills.
Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses
Must possess a valid driver’s license from the State of Iowa and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
Must possess a bachelor’s degree or an Iowa Social Work License and at least two years of experience working with veteran populations.
Certification from the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs within one year of the date of hire and must maintain such certification as mandated by the Code of Iowa, Chapter 35, 35A and 35B.
Must obtain National Accreditation through the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers within two years of the date of hire.
Must obtain Continuing Education Unit’s required to maintain Accreditation through the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers and the Department of Veteran Affairs
Must obtain advanced training required to access The Department of Veteran Affairs computer systems.
Must obtain CEU’s to maintain certifications currently held to obtain the position. I.E. Iowa Social Work License