Veterans Services Officer - Anticipated Vacancy

Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management • Augusta, VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is hiring for a Veterans Services Officer (Homeless and Incarcerated Services) position. This role is an opportunity for a veteran to join a dynamic team of professionals supporting Maine veterans and their dependents across the state to attain all possible state and federal veteran, as well as survivor benefits as part of our Homeless Veterans Coordination Team. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Bureau’s lead and point of contact for homeless and incarcerated veterans’ issues, representing the Bureau on relevant committees, and assisting with data compilation for mandated legislative reports and policy decisions. The position requires clear and consistent communication with the Supervisor of Veterans Services, Bureau employees, the Homeless Veterans Action Committee, Justice Action Committee, and other partner organizations throughout the state. Frequent statewide travel is required. The applicant must be a veteran as defined by Federal law. The Homeless and Incarcerated Services VSO will advocate for Veterans at-risk or experiencing homelessness as well as justice-affected veterans by providing state resources, connecting to federal benefits, and referrals to other state agency and community partners.

Requirements

• Must be a veteran as defined by Federal law (38 United States Code, Section 101 (2)) and separated with an honorable discharge.
• Proof of Veterans Status (DD Form 214) must accompany application, including the “Character of Service”.
• A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, a Social Services/Behavioral Science area, or related field and two (2) years experience in directly providing and/or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of basic supervisory techniques and office management practices.
• Knowledge of various assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records within client management software.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers, and the public.
• Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims of trauma and/or depressed clients, including those with mental disorders or with chemical dependency.
• Ability to conduct interviews with veterans and obtain information pertinent to veteran’s benefits.
• Ability to maintain a respectful and professional relationship with claimants, supervisors, and VA personnel.
• Ability to maintain a working relationship with veterans’ organizations, staff, volunteers, and news media; providing information regarding Bureau programs and services and performing field informational and claim visits to clients.
• Successful completion of fingerprinting and Federal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on diverse personnel and sensitive issues is preferred.
• Experience working with federal and state veterans' benefits and services is preferred.
• Experience speaking and presenting in public is strongly preferred.
• Experience driving a truck towing a trailer is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Bureau’s lead and point of contact for homeless and incarcerated veterans’ issues.
• Represent the Bureau on homeless veterans’ committees and justice affected veterans’ committees.
• Assist with compiling data for mandated legislative reports and policy decisions.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with the Supervisor of Veterans Services, Bureau employees, the Homeless Veterans Action Committee, Justice Action Committee, and other partner organizations throughout the state.
• Advocate for Veterans at-risk or experiencing homelessness as well as justice affected veterans.
• Provide state resources to veterans.
• Connect veterans to federal benefits.
• Make referrals to other state agency and community partners.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually (accrual increases with years of service)
• Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees
• Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
• Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
• Retirement Plan (State contributes to Maine Public Employees Retirement System - MainePERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level