VETERANS ADVOCATE

VETERANS ADVOCATE
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for the Veterans Advocate for the Office of Veterans' Services within the Health and Human Services Department. Under the direction of the Veterans Agent, the position will perform administrative and clerical work in planning, organizing and carrying out programs to meet the economic and medical needs of military veterans, and their dependents. Responsible for Veterans case management to determine eligibility and qualifications for financial, medical and administrative assistance, process application forms in accordance with respective Federal and State agency guidelines and the City of Worcester. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Perform case management for veterans, spouses, and their dependents in office or in a home setting to determine eligibility and qualifications for financial, medical and administrative assistance, process application forms in accordance with respective Federal and State agency guidelines.
• Process applications for benefits and complete related paperwork as required by the State Executive Office of Veterans Services.
• Monitor client needs as well as their obligations on an on-going basis; assist the Veterans' Agent to provide burial services for veterans and their dependent children who are without sufficient funds.
• Conduct outreach efforts collaborating with local veteran shelters, veteran organizations and service providers to ensure eligible recipients are receiving appropriate and adequate benefits.
• Advocate for alternative resources for clients as necessary, including but not limited to, Mass Hire, Social Security Administration and Veterans Administration.
• Prepare reports as required by the Veterans Agent and conduct independent research for the City Council or City Manager as well as state or federal regulatory agencies regarding veteran's benefit eligibility as requested.
• Participate in planning and conducting veteran-related events or ceremonies in the community.
• Work with veteran organizations in the community to find a range of benefits including but not limited to housing, furniture, food, transportation and other needs as necessary; serves as the City's liaison to related organizations and governmental institutions when appropriate.
• Required to attend professional development workshops and/or seminars to stay abreast of changes in state and/or federal rules, regulations and program services for veterans and their dependents.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable State and Federal veteran benefits and related regulations and other local, state and federal Agencies and non-profit programs that provide benefits and support to veterans and their dependents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office software (i.e. word processing, spread sheet applications) and the Internet and web site in support of division operations.
• Ability to meet and interact with clients, dependents, and the public professionally, effectively and appropriately
• Ability to work independently and to handle problems and emergencies effectively
• Ability to communicate and interact with clients, City employees, governmental agencies, the public and community groups as well as state and federal government officials clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to operate a computer
• Ability to maintain confidential, sensitive information
• Ability to maintain, manage, and organize records.
• Ability to manage cases for Worcester Veterans' services with a wide range of agencies including but not limited to the VA, National Guard, Army, Air Force, other government agencies and private non-profit.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient accounting and data processing skills to complete financial-oriented tasks
• Proficient use of personal computers and office software including word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Effective counseling and diplomacy/mediation skills when dealing with veterans, their spouses and/or families with sensitive, personal issues
• Skilled in advocacy and de-escalation
• Empathy with veterans and their spouses/families.
• Proficient customer service skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years of administrative experience in an office setting
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in business/public administration, Human Services, or related discipline
• Four (4) years of administrative experience in an office setting
• Two (2) years of experience working with veterans, service members and/or their families
• Two (2) years of case management experience
• Experience with the state's OnBase system

SALARY RANGE: $26.02 - $31.38 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, preference provided to applicants who applied on or before FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.