JOB TITLE: SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR VETERANS PROGRAMS

JOB CODE: 48254

DEFINITION: This is highly specialized administrative work related to the recruitment, hiring, retention, and support of employees and prospective employees with a military service history.

The employee in this job consults with agency and executive staff to identify and resolve talent management challenges involving veteran employment. Work involves analyzing workforce programs that successfully contribute toward organizational effectiveness and employee engagement; developing solutions for military and veteran employment issues; and identifying public and private sector resources to support recommended solutions. Work also involves collaborating with human resources colleagues and agency leadership to develop new policies and programs; assisting in the initial program implementation efforts; and providing ongoing consultation on those programs. The employee in this job serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and the staff of the Office of Administration (OA) on matters associated with veteran and military programs; and serves as the primary liaison between the OA, Adjutant General, and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) regarding programs and policies of mutual interest and impacts of the Pennsylvania Military Code on the commonwealth workforce. Work is performed independently and is reviewed for results and overall compliance with established laws and policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Leads the Governor’s Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign.

• Evaluates data and trends to help communicate actions associated with enterprise recruiting, hiring, retention, and policies focused on employees with military service history.

• Maintains and monitors the central data collection for employees with military service and drives procedural changes within Talent Acquisition and the Human Resource Service Center to ensure accuracy and sustainability of the Veteran’s programs.

• Develops and coordinates the implementation of legislative proposals and policies to include those involving veteran hiring, military absences and stipends, veteran recruiting, military recognition program, and military spouse/family programs.

• Evaluates complex cases for Pennsylvania Veterans’ Preference eligibility and consults with Talent Acquisition staff and legal counsel to provide solutions.

• Makes recommendations for modifying and monitoring performance and analytics for success to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veteran Services (GAC-VS).

• Provides expertise and advice to the General Assembly veterans’ committees regarding legislative intent and impact of the Military Code on the commonwealth workforce.

• Monitors national and state data and trends pertaining to veteran and military populations and programs.

• Leads the execution of the annual Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Recognition Campaign by determining eligibility and recipients for the award.

• Serves as chair of the Veterans in Public Service Committee, which focuses on employees who have served in the military, providing information to them on state and federal earned benefits, and promoting collaboration and esprit de corps among veterans.

• Represents the OA on the Employment, Education, and Workforce Development (EEWD) committee, which monitors and evaluates veteran employment throughout Pennsylvania, including unemployment rates, employment programs, apprenticeship and training opportunities, education grants, and scholarships.

• Recommends investigations to ensure compliance with the Veterans’ Preference Act, and reviews audit reports issued by the State Civil Service Commission as they relate to Veterans’ Preference.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and standards governing the administration of veterans’ benefits and services.

• Knowledge of military career skills and military discharge programs and characterizations.

• Knowledge of common challenges experienced by veterans, relevant resources available to them, and methods for their successful reintegration to civilian life.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of policy and program planning, development, and evaluation.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in data collection and analysis.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of advocacy in public and administrative settings.

• Knowledge of effective outreach techniques.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Four years of professional military human resource management experience which includes at least one year of experience in policy development at a military higher headquarters; and a master’s degree in human resources management or a closely related field;

or

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes four years of professional military human resource management experience with at least one year of experience in policy development at a military higher headquarters.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Service on active duty in a branch of the United States Armed Forces with separation under honorable conditions in the past 10 years prior to employment.