Veterans’ Service Agency Director

Job Description
Rensselaer County is seeking a qualified and dedicated Director for the Veterans’ Service Agency. This role involves leading and managing the county's veterans’ service program under the guidance of the County Executive. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of federal, state, and local regulations related to veterans' benefits, pensions, and welfare programs. The Director will work in alignment with policies set by the County Legislature and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, ensuring high-quality service and support for veterans and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise the agency’s casework operations.
• Conduct interviews with individuals seeking assistance and provide guidance.
• Liaise with state, federal, and local agencies to aid veterans' access to their entitlements.
• Prepare and manage documents related to veterans' claims and benefits.
• Gather necessary documentation and evidence to effectively present claims.
• Report annually to the County Executive on services provided.
• Attend meetings and conferences relevant to Veterans Affairs when required.
• Arrange for hospitalization and transport for incapacitated veterans.
• Facilitate the provision of burial flags, headstones, and grave markers.
• Interact with public and private welfare agencies to support veteran services.
• Develop and manage the annual agency budget.
• Execute a range of administrative duties ensuring the smooth operation of the agency.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of relevant laws, excellent public relations, sound judgment, emotional maturity, accountability, and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrates tact, courtesy, and a genuine interest in veterans' issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma
• Four (4) years of full-time paid experience or it’s part-time equivalence in personnel, business administration, or closely related field in which two (2) years must have been involved with providing direct assistance or counsel to individuals in resolving financial, legal, employment, or benefit claims.
• Certified as a Veterans Service organization representative(VSO)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: New York State Executive Law requires that an individual appointed as director of local veteran’s services be a veteran as defined by New York State Statute. A veteran is described (Article 17, Section 350 Executive Law) “a person, male or female, resident of this state, who has served in the active military or naval service of the United States during a war in which the United States engaged and who has been released from a such service otherwise than by dishonorable discharge, or who has been furloughed to the reserve.”

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you a Veteran who (per Article 17, Section 350 Executive Law) served during a war in which the United States engaged and who has been released from a such service otherwise than by dishonorable discharge, or who has been furloughed to the reserve?

Experience:

• personnel or business administration: 4 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Veterans Service organization representative(VSO) (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• East Greenbush, NY 12061 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000