Deputy Director of Veterans Service Agency

Vacancy: At present there is one (1) vacancy with the Seneca County Department of Veterans Services.

Residency: Candidates must have been legal residents of Seneca County or one of the six (6) contiguous counties for one (1) month preceding the date of application. Preference in appointment may be given to successful candidates who have been legal residents of the municipality in which appointment is to be made for at least one (1) month prior to the date of certification and are residents of such municipality at the time of appointment.

Typical Work Activities:

• Responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and direction of services, programs, and activities offered through the County’s Veterans Services’ Agency.
• Interviews, counsels, and assists veterans and their dependents with obtaining all benefits for which they are eligible.
• Evaluates, prepares, and submits claims for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability compensation, pension, healthcare, memorial benefits, education, home loans, and life insurance.
• Maintains contact with claimants, conducts follow-up interviews for continued claims management, and ensure any DVA requested actions have been taken within required deadlines.
• Assists clients with appeals sent to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
• Assists, advises, and advocates for veterans and their families concerning non-DVA benefits including county and local tax exemptions, educational funding, employment and re-employment, New York State Veterans Benefits, housing, transportation, and resources available for financial assistance.
• Acts as a liaison with veterans’ organizations, federal, state, and local agencies to promote and protect veteran interest.
• Ensures that written and electronic records and files are kept on all clients and client contacts and services performed during each client visit.
• Must obtain DVA accreditation and maintain accreditation by completing mandatory annual training on VA regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Attends meetings of veteran’s organizations when needed.
• Assists the Director in a variety of administrative duties to include providing training for new staff personnel.
• Has charge of the Veterans’ Service Agency in the absence of the Director.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school and two years of business or administrative experience, including some experience in giving assistance to individuals regarding legal, financial or placement problems.

Special Requirements For Acceptance Of Applications:

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Candidates must be honorably discharged from active military service.
• A copy of DD-214 must be submitted with application for employment.
• Employees must become accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Officer within the first year of employment and must maintain re-accreditations in each subsequent year.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation to include; driving records, credit records, criminal records, and character references.