Department Head, Veterans Affairs
Salary Range: $65,000-$70,000 

Duties:
Appointed by and serving at the will of the Board of County Commissioners, the Department Head  has charge of the work involved  in  providing educational, vocational, and personal guidance and information to county military veterans and their families. Ensures compliance with all County policies, procedures, and Local, State and Federal regulatory requirements applicable to the work.  Works with considerable independence and decision-making authority while performing the assigned duties. 

Essential Functions:
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one function.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude Administration from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Provides NACVSO accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) services and information to our county military veterans and their families.
• Supervises personnel assigned to the Veteran's Affairs Department; develops written work plans; develops training for staff development and position specific training;  reviews work, monitors performance, and conducts annual performance evaluations; provides technical and professional assistance to staff; applies holistic approaches to the work environment and to individual staff to allow for a cohesive department with continual growth.
• Develops and oversees development of seamless processes that provide the highest quality of service in the most efficient manner; documents processes with development of departmental SOPs (standard operating procedures).
• Prepares program budget; monitors and tracks fiscal expenditures; develops 5 – 10-year plans with projected capital funds required; performs all purchasing functions for the department.
• Plans periodic County Medal Ceremonies and Veterans’ Events independently and/or in collaboration with other entities to honor and establish community awareness of veterans’ service.
• Seeks creative means for producing successful outcomes related to the mission of the Veterans’ Affairs Office, grants, volunteerism, internships, work programs, etc.
• Prepares and reviews monthly statistical reports, activity reports, department activity reports and compiles annual data about VA claims and County Veterans Cemetery.
• Directs and oversees the Veterans’ Commission to include public meetings and effectively communicates and collaborates with the Commissioner Liaison(s) regarding issues, projects, and needs of veterans within the county.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with other veterans’ service agencies and veterans’ fraternal organizations; may act as liaison between the department and other agencies serving veterans.
• Provides outreach and education to entities within the County and external organizations that deal with the veteran population; develops curriculum and presentations for education regarding the unique needs of the veteran population and the processes for VA benefits.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates the department’s Veterans Services Program; defines needs and establishes goals and objectives. Develops short-term and long-term objectives and goals.
• Advocates for clients with the application process for benefits from the Veterans Administration and other federal and state agencies.
• Oversees the operations and day-to-day activities of the Cumberland County Veterans' Cemetery to include working with all funeral homes servicing the families of our departed veterans, spouses and/or dependents.
• Orchestrates the issuance of interment memorial markers and Presidential Memorial Certificates.

Requirements:

Honorably Discharged Veteran status. Possession of DD-214 required. 

Must be able to successfully pass VSO accreditation through the National Association of County Veterans’ Service Officers within 1 year of employment. Continuing Education must be maintained annually.

Two  (2) years of experience in gathering information from clients and providing guidance, assistance or explanations of benefits and services.

License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey and abide by County motor vehicle policies to perform the essential duties of the position. 

Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.  This position, however, requires work beyond a typical shift.  Weekend and evening hours are required for Commissioner meetings and other events relevant to the department’s Veterans Services Program.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of physical fitness testing and drug screening.
Applicants shall submit a cover letter and resume to:
Cumberland County Department of Personnel
HR@CumberlandCountyNJ.gov
or complete an application on-line and upload documents at:  www.cumberlandcountynj.gov/jobs.
Posting is open until filled