JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF VETERANS PROGRAMS, DMVA

JOB CODE: 48255

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and managerial work directing the Bureau of Veterans Programs in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

The employee in this job directs state-funded veterans’ benefits administration and oversees and engages in the development, implementation, and provision of state veterans’ programs and initiatives. Work involves directing the determination and distribution of veterans’ benefits granted by the Commonwealth; overseeing and participating in the development of new state programs and initiatives to raise awareness of, advocate for, and address the full range of veterans’ issues; and directing the development of professional training programs and the provision of veteran service officer accreditation training. Work also involves developing and overseeing the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the delivery of veterans’ benefits and services. Supervision is exercised over managerial and professional staff. Work is assigned in the form of broad program goals and objectives and is reviewed by the Executive Director of Veterans Services and Programs, DMVA (EDVSP) through reports, conferences, and results achieved.

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.)

• Directs, oversees, and audits the administration of state-funded veterans’ benefits programs legislatively mandated to DMVA, such as the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption Program, Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension Program, Military Family Relief Assistance Program, and the Veterans’ Temporary Assistance Program.

• Oversees and participates in the development, implementation, enhancement, expansion, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives to address a full range of veterans’ issues, such as mental and behavioral health care, homelessness and housing, transportation, education, employment, military transition, and economic wellness.

• Directs the planning, development, and operation of campaigns to educate the public, raise awareness of, and advocate support for current and emerging veterans’ challenges, and coordinates programmatic solutions with federal, state, and county agencies, veterans service organizations, and community-based partners.

• Directs and oversees the development and implementation of professional training programs that promote staff development, as well as the provision of veteran service officer accreditation training to authorize representation of veterans’ claims before the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Directs surveys and studies to identify unmet needs and programmatic deficiencies and participates in the development and implementation of best practices and new strategic goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.

• Directs the acquisition and development of state and federal grant programs providing support to veterans’ programs and initiatives.

• Leads the regulatory review process for state veterans’ programs and services and collaborates with the DMVA Office of Chief Counsel on the implementation of proposed rulemaking.

• Advises the EDVSP and DMVA leadership and provides expertise on veterans’ benefits and services programs.

• Recommends, drafts, and promotes new veterans’ legislation and revisions to existing veterans’ legislation.

• Monitors expenditures and collaborates with budget staff on the development of the bureau’s annual budget and future expenditure projections.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The 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 principles and practices of veterans’ benefits and services program administration and coordination.

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures governing veterans’ benefits and services programs.

• Knowledge of social and economic challenges experienced by veterans.

• Knowledge of the methods and resources utilized for veterans’ transition into civilian life.

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

• Knowledge of effective outreach techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of policy and program planning, development, and evaluation related to veterans’ benefits and services programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

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

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

• Ability to analyze and interpret numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

• One year of experience as a Veterans Services Officer Manager, DMVA (Commonwealth title);

or

• Four years of professional experience managing programs serving veterans that includes two years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor’s degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional supervisory experience managing programs serving veterans.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee in this job must obtain active veteran service officer accreditation issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of hire and maintain accreditation for the duration of employment in this job.