Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Affairs Administrator

Salary : $66,815.78 - $96,769.17 Annually
Location : Ames, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: VA-022021
Department: Veteran's Affairs
Opening Date: 02/13/2024
Closing Date: 3/15/2024 5:00 PM Central
Summary Description
This position is responsible for directing the operations of the Veterans Affairs Department, including its programs and services and performs varied administrative, customer service, and case management functions, to include providing assistance with county, state and federal VA benefits in accordance with Chapter 35B of the Code of Iowa.
To be employed as the Director of Veterans Affairs the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran as defined by Iowa Code section 35B.1. To be employed as the Veterans Affairs Administrator the applicant need not be a Veteran.
Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs Veterans Affairs functions consistent with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, commission guidelines, and county policies and procedures.
• Interprets laws and regulations and administers department goals, objectives, and policies to ensure the delivery of quality veterans affairs services.
• Interviews applicants for assistance in person and by telephone to obtain documentation and information required to process an application; assists in the completion of applications and determines eligibility for assistance.
• Distributes funds to eligible veterans and/or their families for necessities such as shelter, utilities, medical benefits, etc.; obtains emergency funds with commission approval.
• Provides consultation to clients on VA benefits and eligibility, financial budgeting, job search skills, etc.
• Prepares and manages the department budget.
• Prepares monthly agenda for commission meetings and hosts such meetings.
• Maintains database of Veterans utilizing services; prepares summaries of county cases; updates the Board on veteran legislation and provides quarterly reports.
• Participates in outreach activities; attends various organizational meetings.
• Networks with other agencies and programs to aid veterans in obtaining assistance not provided by the department.
• Works with the news media to publicize information about available benefits; produces newsletters; provides information to veterans and community service organizations.
• Serves on various local, state, and national committees.
• Plans and facilitate special events and fundraisers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of Veterans programs and benefits and applicable laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of community service organizations and agencies.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
• Knowledge of modern office management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the determining program eligibility for veterans and surviving spouses.
• Skill in public relations and communication.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years' experience or service.
• Veteran status preferred, but not required.

E-VERIFY PROCESS: Story County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with Story County must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity. Please be prepared to provide required documents on the first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-382-7200 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.
Physical & Environmental Characteristics

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in an office, in correctional facilities, at home visits, at homeless camps, and at outreach events.

Story County offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees regularly working 30 hours or more per week. Benefits are pro-rated for employees working between 30-39 hours per week. The benefits available include vacation, sick leave, family sick leave, life insurance and AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, health and dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement and an employee assistance program. Benefits may vary dependent on employment status and bargaining unit status.
01
Describe your leadership style.
02
What experience do you have leading or assisting with Veterans based program efforts?
03
Describe a project or program you managed. What was the outcome?
Required Question