Veterans Service Administrator

Commitment to Service 

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.  

Position Summary:  THIS POSITION IS PART-TIME & WILL BE LESS THAN 30 HOURS WEEKLY

Responsible for accomplishing department objectives by planning, organizing and maintaining all departmental activities and services related to assisting veterans (and their dependent family members). Ensures entitlement and benefit programs are in accordance with established laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. As directed, the position may require the Veteran Service Administrator to make amendments or rescissions to the established policies and procedures for the group.  

Essential Functions: 

• Seeks training and certification from the Veterans Administration to be a qualified Veterans Service Officer within 12 months, if not certified.
• Counsels and assists Veterans and/or their dependents regarding services and benefits available to them through the Veterans Affairs office, federal, state and/or local legislation, and from private organizations; refers clients to the proper outside agencies when applicable.
• Assists Veterans with appeals of decisions regarding entitlements and benefits.
• Ensures effective communication and relationships with Veterans, community and supportive agencies.
• Maintain close liaison with local and regional Veteran's affairs office, State and Federal; to ensure Veterans have access to all services available. 
• Provide and/or arrange transportation for a veteran to a local or regional office, or institution for services.
• Manager Veteran budget as directed, provide monthly budget and narrative report to the Veteran Treasurer.
• Maintains communication with the Pokagon Veteran’s Committee and Tribal Council, by providing monthly updates and reports, as necessary.
• Coordinates travel arrangements and check requests, as needed
• Obtain flyers for events that the Veterans participate in.
• May be required to attend Veteran Group meeting to report updates and to assist the officers as needed. 
• Benefits Coordinator for Veterans deaths. May be required to be the contact for helping in funeral arrangements and arranging military honors.
• Develop departmental plans, goals, and objectives and ensure compliance to contractual obligations and requirements. 
• Will be the liaison for procurement through the government procurement personnel.
• Assist Veteran’s Committee in the adherence to all Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures, Tribal Standard Operating Procedures, and Area and Program Strategic Plans and Policies; Maintains updated copy of Standard Operating Procedures for Veterans related tasks and processes.
• Transport Veteran’s to Veteran related appointments.
• Payroll/Accounts payable
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the Veteran’s Committee and/or supervisor.
• Organize travel and accommodations for Veteran’s events
• May be required to work some nights, weekends, and holidays.

Non-Essential Functions: 

• Perform other related functions as assigned. 

Equipment: 

• Standard office equipment; Cisco phone units, computers, scan and fax equipment,
• Systems used: MS Office Applications, Internet

Position Requirements:  

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Honorable discharge or military retirement preferred.
• Veteran’s Service Officer Certification required within the first 12 months of employment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of secretarial or related experience preferred.
• Minimum proficiency in typing of 40 wpm preferred.
• Must possess excellent communication, organizational and writing skills. 
• Proficiency in MS Office; especially Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Publisher.
• Current on military customs– Emphasis on tribal customs and courtesies.
• Must have desire to work with and assist Pokagon Veterans and their families.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Michigan/Indiana Departments of Veteran Affairs rules and regulations on veteran entitlement and benefits and adjudication process. 
• Skilled in problem solving, human relations and time management.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to work various work extended hours and various work schedules, including weekends.
• Certified Veterans Service Officer and show proof of enrollment, preferred.
• Must learn Veteran Group by-laws and other governing requirements and maintain compliance.

Indian Preference 

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements: 

• Work is sedentary in nature and will require sitting, however standing and walking will be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Frequently required to talk and listen.
• Some lifting required. 

Work environment: 

• General office environment. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is generally performed in an office environment, with standard office equipment available.
• Travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required. 
• Occasionally includes movement of hazardous equipment or locations.
• Some outside work required. 

Competencies: 

• Client Focus
• Fostering Communication
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Teamwork