Deputy Commissioner - Veterans' Benefits & Services

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston seeks a Chief-of-Staff to support the veterans benefits division and ensure efficient department operations. The role encompasses directing duties during the Commissioner’s absence, coordinating special events, and overseeing the distribution of state and city benefits to veterans and dependents in Boston.

The Deputy Commissioner will interpret laws, supervise investigators, and manage grave registration and application sections, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience supervising staff and handling personnel matters.
• Knowledge of FLSA and wage laws is required.
• Understanding of MA General Laws (Ch 115, 118, 483) and federal claims.
• Ability to apply laws and supervise subordinates.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor compliance with annual personnel performance and evaluation systems.
• Advise employees on requirements of FLSA and MA wage law and policies on compensatory time.
• Provide guidance to managers on personnel management and union-related policies.
• Research and maintain personnel policies and update city-wide policies.
• Administer Attendance, Medical Leave, and Military Leave policies.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Education

BA in HR/ Public Admin

MA in HR or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Desktop publishing

Job description

Overview

Serves in the capacity of the Chief-of-Staff and maintains the effective and efficient operations of the department. In the event of the Commissioner's absence , the Deputy Commissioner shall carry out the duties assigned, including special events and cabinet meetings . Under the general direction of the Commissioner, exercises power and duties for the distribution of State and City benefits to veterans and their dependents in the City of Boston; interprets pertinent laws and makes decisions concerning the eligibility of applicants for veterans benefits in accordance of applicable laws; assigns and supervises the work of the investigators; oversees all procedures and transactions within the grave registration and application sections.

Overview

Serves in the capacity of the Chief-of-Staff and maintains the effective and efficient operations of the department. In the event of the Commissioner's absence , the Deputy Commissioner shall carry out the duties assigned, including special events and cabinet meetings . Under the general direction of the Commissioner, exercises power and duties for the distribution of State and City benefits to veterans and their dependents in the City of Boston; interprets pertinent laws and makes decisions concerning the eligibility of applicants for veterans benefits in accordance of applicable laws; assigns and supervises the work of the investigators; oversees all procedures and transactions within the grave registration and application sections.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, train, and monitor compliance with annual personnel performance and evaluation systems.
• Advise employees on all requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Massachusetts Fair Wage and Hour Law, including the development and administration of a policy on the use of compensatory time in lieu of overtime.
• Provide guidance to managers and personnel officers regarding best practices for personnel management and identify personnel matters that may relate to federal or state employment laws or union contractual provisions.
• Research and maintain personnel policies and review and update existing city-wide personnel policies.
• Review and distribute new and/or changed policies regarding employee unions.
• Administer/monitor the City's Attendance Policy, Medical Leave Policy, and Military Leave Policy.
• Train senior staff and personnel officers of their roles and responsibilities under the above named policies.
• Work in conjunction with the Workers' Compensation Unit to ensure implementation of relevant aspects of Medical Leave and Light Duty policies.
• Participate in outreach and special events to inform the general public of veteran laws, benefits, and services.
• Supervise administrative staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Must be a veteran as defined in clause 43 of section 7 Chapter 4 of the Massachusetts General Law as amended.
• At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, administrative experience with at least two (2) years in a supervsiory capacity.
• BA in Human Resource Management, Public or Business Administration or related field strongly preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. MA or graduate level certification in Human Resources or related field preferred and may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking, discretion and confidentiality in all workplace matters.
• Thorough knowledge of Chapters 115,118 and 483 of the Massachusetts General Law as amended and federal claims.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, regulations, specifications and standards governing veterans’ benefits.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, supervise and review the work of subordinates.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Applicants must possess strong computer skills and have proficient knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook programs) and Google Suite.
• Ability to manage presentations,social/media sites, data capturing systems and perform desktop publishing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Terms

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Union/Salary/Grade: Non-union/MM2-8

Hours per week: 35

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.