Director of Veterans Services

About This Role

This role is responsible for overseeing all Veterans Services for the City of Pittsfield, including processing applications for benefits, providing compassionate support and advocacy to Veterans and their families, and managing departmental operations and community events.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process applications for benefits under MGL Ch. 115, ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate referrals
• Assist Veterans and/or surviving spouses/dependents in determining proper documentation required to support a claim
• Provide compassionate support, counseling, and advocacy to Veterans and their families
• Process claims for VA medical care, insurance, pension, compensation, burials, and federal benefits
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all veteran and dependent information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state agencies, private organizations, and other departments
• Collaborate with and refer Veterans to social service agencies for various support needs
• Plan, coordinate, and lead annual community events like Memorial Day and Veterans' Day activities
• Serve as Burial Agent for the City, maintaining records of deceased veterans and coordinating flag placements in cemeteries
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Veteran services department/programs, identify funding opportunities, and prepare grant applications
• Oversee personnel functions of the department, including hiring, training, and performance reviews
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training programs to maintain proficiency and stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations

Requirements

• Must be a Veteran as defined by MGL Ch. 115, Section 1
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 to 5 years of related working experience in program management, Veteran affairs, or human services
• Possess extensive working knowledge of relative laws pertaining to Veterans
• Valid driver's license, class D
• Ability to handle sensitive information with utmost confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to exercise patience, empathy, and well-developed listening and counseling skills
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Previous experience managing budgets and supervising personnel

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, degree in higher education with a concentration in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field is preferred
• 3 to 5 years of related working experience in program management, Veteran affairs, or human services

Nice to Have

• Degree in higher education with a concentration in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field
• Previous experience working with Veterans population and/or Veteran affairs strongly preferred

Certifications