Veterans Services Officer - Mobile South

Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation leave (3+ weeks)

Health insurance coverage

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Gym membership reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Department of Defense, Veterans' and Emergency Management in Portland, ME seeks a professional to supervise day-to-day field office operations and advocate for veterans and their families. The role involves advising on benefits, developing claims, and guiding eligibility determinations.

You will lead a team, ensure accurate case management, and coordinate with federal and state programs to secure entitlements and services for veterans and dependents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus two years experience in related fields; equivalent experience considered.
• Active duty service during a federally recognized period of conflict required.
• State/federal background checks and TRIP/NVLSP fingerprinting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day field office operations and supervise staff.
• Advise veterans and families; help obtain federal/state benefits and services.
• Develop and file claims; advocate for pension, compensation, education, housing, and medical care.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

VA programs knowledge

Benefits/claims procedures

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/Human Resources/Education or related field

Job description

Department of Defense, Veterans' and Emergency Management Job Class Code: 0831 Grade: 25 (Supervisory Services)

Salary: $59,987.20 - $84,718.40/Annually

Location: Portland, ME

Opening Date: November 6, 2026

Closing Date: November 23, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION

This is professional services work overseeing day-to-day operations of an assigned field office; advising and advocating for veterans and members of the armed services, their families, dependents, and survivors; and providing technical assistance to obtain federal, state, regional, and local veterans benefits and services.

Responsibilities include strategizing, developing and filing claims, and advocating for eligible military benefits and services such as pension, compensation, education, housing, financial assistance, and/or medical care.

Work also includes supervising staff, evaluating and verifying information, determining eligibility, and leading appeal strategies and activities. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS

(A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

• Initiates and/or update client management software and continuously monitors cases to detect problems, determine status of cases, and ensure judicious and timely review of undisputed/disputed claims.
• Interviews and advises veterans and/or their dependents to provide information and determine eligibility for benefits and services from federal/state veterans programs.
• Develops, assesses, and evaluates all testimony and documents to prepare for formal hearing proceedings.
• Writes well-grounded appeal briefs to substantiate veterans' positions on contested cases.
• Represents veterans or dependents at appeal hearings to present claimants' arguments.
• Evaluates VA claim determinations for compliance with federal/state rulings to determine consistency, improve submission detail, and/or initiate claim negotiations to achieve fair solutions that ensure veterans' rights and entitlements are protected.
• Administers operations of an assigned field office and multiple itinerant offices to serve veteran clientele to ensure consistent application of applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Advises and advocates for applicants on problems relating to income, housing, health, education, and family situation to meet the needs of veterans and/or dependents.
• Identifies resources and prepares claims for veterans and/or dependents to guide them in applying for and obtaining benefits and services.
• Gathers and analyzes information, and documents detailed case history to prepare reports to substantiate and authorize grants for aid.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with other agencies and community organizations to develop resources and/or promote agency mission.
• Represents the agency before veterans groups, on committees, and in public forums to exchange information and promote veterans programs, benefits, and services.
• Studies and researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedent-setting decisions to prepare well-grounded documentation in support of highly complex and sensitive claims.
• Implements, administers, and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices, including: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, communication systems, and employee safety.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of available VA and community programs and services.
• Knowledge of veterans benefits/claims application procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of Department rules, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of terminology/meanings of various types of disabilities and illnesses associated with veterans' claims.
• Knowledge of State Veterans Assistance programs.
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and office management practices.
• Knowledge of eligibility and application criteria governing federal veterans’ assistance and state programs.
• Knowledge of assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents.
• Knowledge of VA appeals process and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and objectives underlying veterans benefits programs.
• Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims of trauma and hostile, distraught, and/or depressed clients.
• Ability to prepare well-grounded briefs.
• Ability to prepare and present case facts, evidence, testimony, and examine witnesses.
• Ability to establish and maintain community partnerships.
• Ability to use applicable computer programs.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and obtain pertinent information.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and case files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, a Social Services/Behavioral Science area, or related field and two (2) years experience in directly providing and/or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work.
• Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Applicants must have served on active duty during a federally recognized period of conflict, as defined in Section 504, Title 37B, MRSA.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State of Maine & US Department of Veterans Affairs Training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation (TRIP) National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP) Successful completion of fingerprinting and Federal background check

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre‑tax to help pay for out‑of‑pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty‑two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre‑tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.