Veterans Services District Director

Town of Lexington; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Benefits Package

Job summary

Town of Lexington is seeking a Veterans Services District Director who will advocate for veterans and deliver essential benefits to residents of Lexington, Bedford, and Carlisle. The role requires leadership of a small team and oversight of the district budget in coordination with the Department of Human Services.

The position encompasses administration of Chapter 115 benefits, interagency collaboration, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, and/or Public Administration or equivalent plus years of increasing responsibility in human services.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Must be a veteran of the United States armed services as specified by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services.
• Must be able to be certified as Veterans Service Officer within 90 days of hire.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License is required.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for travel between the Towns and home visits to Veterans.

Responsibilities

• Meets with Veterans and families to discuss financial situations and determine Chapter 115 benefit qualifications.
• Reconciles Ch115 benefits with Town Treasurers monthly.
• Advises veterans on available benefits and assists with claims.
• Collaborates with agencies coordinating local, state, and federal benefits.
• Develops, manages, and oversees district's budget for Veteran Services.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Staff supervision

Budget management

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, and/or Public Administration or equivalent

Tools

MS Office Suite

OnBase

VetraSpec

Data entry software

Financial applications

Job description

Veterans Services District Director

Department of Human Services

Anticipated hiring range $ 84,215 - $96,085

Excellent Benefits Package

This position is until September 25, 2026.

Summary

Serves as the primary advocate for veterans & their families and delivers essential benefits and services to the veterans and their eligible dependents residing in Lexington, Bedford, and Carlisle -- pursuant to the Veterans' District agreement authorized by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).

Essential Functions

• Meets with Veterans and families to discuss personal and family's financial situations and to determine qualifications for Chapter 115 benefits. Compiles documentation. Verifies qualifying application data. Approves and submits applications to the Executive Office of Veteran Services. Administers benefits for qualified customers.
• Reconciles Ch115 benefits with Town Treasurers on the monthly basis to certify funds.
• Analyzes situations. Advises veterans or family on choices of available benefits. Compiles documents and assists with applications for claims. Submits forms to VA.
• Collaborates with governmental agencies coordinating programs, including access to local, state, and federal benefits.
• Conducts outreach to Veterans and families to communicate benefits.
• Remains current on veteran benefits. Participates in training and conferences.
• Supervises Veteran Service Officer. Leads, guides, and directs administrative support staff.
• Retains certification for Veteran Service Officer by successful completion of test.
• Develops, manages, and oversees district's budget for Veteran Services.
• Collaborates with the Town Celebrations Committee and LexVets Association to organize Memorial and Veterans Day events.
• Ensures adherence to program regulations. Maintains files in compliance with local, state, and federal statutes.
• Prepares and presents seminars on Veteran Benefits.
• Provides backup support to the Veteran Service Officer.
• Serves as the Veterans' Burial Agent. Collaborates with District Cemetery officials to ensure communities are in compliance with Mass General Law's and policies for internment and care of Veteran graves.
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized working knowledge of Veterans Benefits and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Supervision Received: Works under the broad general guidance of Human Services Director setting and following department rules, regulations and policies. Duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.

Supervision Given: Supervises the Veteran Service Officer.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, and/or Public Administration or equivalent plus years of increasingly responsible experience in human services or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience are required. Computer literacy is required.

Special Requirements

• Must be a veteran of the United States armed services as specified by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services.
• Must be able to be certified as Veterans Service Officer within 90 days of hire.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License is required.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for travel between the Towns and home visits to Veterans.

Knowledge

Knowledge of local, state and federal Veteran's benefits. Knowledge of financial administration, budget management. Knowledge and skill with principles and practices of record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of town government. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations required for department operations. Knowledge of marketing, advertising, and communications. Knowledge of best management practices to supervise staff.

Ability

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to explain Department regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to set and follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi-task. Ability to renew Certification. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to perform data entry.

Skills

Proficient customer service and organization skills. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Proficient skill with hiring, evaluating, disciplining, and terminating staff. Proficient computer skills with MS Office Suite applications, and OnBase, VetraSpec, Data Entry application, the Internet, and financial applications. Proficient skill with new and existing computers and software applications supporting departmental operations, including report generation, database sorting, and statistical applications.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in office environment with moderate noise levels, and with frequent interruptions. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee works weekend day and evenings, and weekday evenings.
• Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment.
• The employee has constant contact with the Executive Office of Veteran Services, Veterans Administration, and non-profit organizations. Contact is via telephone, email, and in-person.
• The employee has access to confidential information.
• Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, communicate, or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Occasionally the employee is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The employee seldom must lift and or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Close vision is required. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed and to operate an automobile.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer

• External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.