Assistant Veterans Agent

Assistant Veterans Agent
Veteran Services
City of Worcester

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant Veterans Agent for the Division of Veterans’ Services within the Health and Human Services Department. Under the direction of the Director of Veterans Services, the Assistant Veterans Agent performs administrative and professional work planning, organizing, and carrying out programs/benefits from state and federal agencies to meet the economic and medical needs of military veterans and their eligible dependents who reside in the City of Worcester.

The Assistant Veterans Agent supports the Director of Veterans’ Services in interpreting the guidelines, recommending how they should be applied, and developing relevant operating policies in accordance with State and Federal law and regulations. The Assistant Veterans Agent provides customer service to and advocates for veterans and their families who are in need and provides referral services when necessary.

• Assist the Director of Veterans Services in preparing and verifying monthly Ch. 115 benefits.
• Review and process claims for state, federal and local benefits for accuracy and completeness, including but not limited to Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and Pension.
• Utilize internal and external databases to reconcile bills, payments, and payable vouchers and ensure accuracy and accountability of the distribution of monthly and semi-annual benefits in accordance with the law.
• Analyze departmental standard operating procedures to identify and suggest improvements that improve customer service (in compliance with relevant laws and regulations).
• Assist with the oversight of monuments installation, upkeep, and maintenance in coordination with other city departments.
• Provide staffing support to the Commission for the Preservation of Historic Artifacts, Relics and Military Memorials, and/or local Veteran organizations.
• Assist with oversight of veterans’ gravesites and/or resting places in the City of Worcester which may include cleaning, upkeep and/or removal of brush, weeds, grass, or objects not belonging to the gravesite.
• Organize, implement, and coordinate departmental events.
• Assist with the preparation and administration of the annual divisional operating budget.
• Reconcile expenditures with City departments and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (MA EOVS)
• Other duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of applicable state and federal Veteran service programs, regulations, other applicable local, state and federal agencies, and other non-profit programs (i.e. health care systems and social services) that provide support to Veterans and their eligible dependents
• Understanding of the needs of Veterans experiencing a personal crisis to include, but not limited to, eviction, homelessness, unemployment, addiction, and mental health concerns
• Knowledge of multimedia communications to support and advance department services and programs
• Ability to prepare and manage budgets and assist with oversight of complex division financials
• Working knowledge of budgetary policies and standard operating practices
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer and software:
  Microsoft Office Suite, data processing including word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Outstanding counseling, diplomacy, and discretion when interacting with Veterans and/or their spouses/family with sensitive, personal issues
• Skilled in advocacy and mediation; must have empathy with Veterans, spouses and other eligible dependents
• Strong math, research, and analytical skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterans, their families, dependents, subordinates, and external agencies
• Ability to read and interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and ordinances
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a detailed and organized manner in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively
• Ability to advocate for veterans and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidential…