ASSISTANT VETERANS AGENT
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for the Assistant Veterans Agent for the Office of Veterans’ Services within the Health and Human Services Department. Under the direction of the Veterans Agent, the position will perform administrative and professional work in 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 in accordance with State and Federal laws and regulations. The Assistant Veterans Agent will provide customer service and advocacy to Veterans in need and their families and provide referral services when necessary.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Prepare and verify monthly benefits.
• Process VA claims.
• Prepare department payroll, bills, and payable vouchers.
• Prepare and administer the state formula grant.
• Provide oversight of monuments installation, upkeep, and maintenance in coordination with the Department of Public Works and/or local Veteran organizations.
• Provide oversight of Worcester Veterans gravesites and/or resting places to 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 administering the annual divisional operating budget; reconcile expenditures with City departments and Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services.
• Perform all similar or related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• 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 the eviction, unemployment, addiction, and mental health concerns.
• Knowledge of office software, internet, web sites and social media in support of department services and programs
• Ability to prepare and manage budgets and assist the Veterans Agent with oversight of complex division financials.
• Working knowledge of budgetary policies and standard operating practices
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, data processing including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Effective counseling and diplomacy skills 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication 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 meet and communicate with Veterans who may be vulnerable and in crisis.
• Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively.
• Ability to advocate for veterans and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to maintain, manage, and organize records.
• Ability to deal appropriately with clients, City employees, City officials, other governmental agencies, and the public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree social science, social work, counseling, business/public administration, or related field, OR;

o An equivalent combination of education & three (3) years of experience that provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite and Online platforms.
• Valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Honorably discharged veteran and have the ability to obtain VSO certification within six (6) months of hiring.
• Ability to obtain VA claims certification through EOVS and/or external accredited agency within six (6) months of hiring.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree social science, social work, counseling, business/public administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of related experience working with veterans and their dependents.
• Three (3) years of experience performing administrative tasks.
• Two (2) years experience performing employee supervision

SALARY RANGE: $68,520 - $84,884 annually, exempt, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, preference provided to applicants who applied on or before FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.