Executive Director of Veterans Affairs and General Assistance

Position Responsibilities:

The functions listed here are job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. They are the tasks which are considered to be fundamental, critical, primary and necessary for this position and are not limited to but will include:

• Ability to verbally communicate via the telephone and in person. Visually inspect and read legislation, journals, computer screens, files and documents. Must be able to operate all office equipment such as; copiers, printers, computers, facsimile, telephones and effectively utilize all specialized veterans software programs. 
• Assist Veterans and/or their dependents with applications for federal benefits including explaining procedures, researching and obtaining proper documentation, completing extensive forms, and conducts follow-up as necessary.
• Conduct courteous interviews of Veterans and/or their dependents to determine eligibility for Veteran emergency welfare assistance and/or make referrals to other appropriate agencies. 
• Conduct courteous interviews with members of the general public to determine their eligibility for emergency welfare assistance and/or make referrals to other appropriate agencies.
• Interact and serve as a liaison to various veteran service organizations, hospitals, and governmental agencies to identify Veterans’ needs and research needed documentation to complete paperwork to obtain services.
• Keep abreast of law changes and federal regulations relating to veteran’s affairs and interpret rules and regulations to identify proper procedures.
• Prepare correspondence for outside agencies, clients, Commissioners, and the Board of Supervisors on a regular basis.
• Verify information by contacting landlords, utility companies, to assist the clients in paying bills and working out payment plans.
• Document intake of assistance and written notice of decision and prepare reports as may be necessary.
• Maintain appropriate records, files, data and documentation for clients, federal requirements, the Commission of Veteran's Affairs, and the Board of Supervisors.
• Provide education to veteran organizations, churches, nursing homes, agencies, etc. regarding Veteran benefits. Develop and deliver presentations as requested. Prepare information for public dissemination.
• Maintain record systems, containing every person having a military service record and buried in Benton County, conforming to the directives of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Iowa Code.
• Prepare and monitor annual departmental budgets, subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual budgetary reports for the Commission of Veteran's Affairs and the Board of Supervisors, meeting federal requirements and County budget deadlines.
• To maintain certification, the Executive Director will satisfy the continuing education requirements established by the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers and the State of Iowa. 
• Work with outside agencies to coordinate events to educate and to develop awareness of available benefits to veterans.
• Provide input and assistance in reviewing and updating of Benton County Veteran's Affairs Policy Guidelines.
• Prepare Veterans Affairs Commission monthly meeting agenda.  Keeping the commission abreast of all current information related to veterans benefit programs, policies and requests for assistance from veterans, and their families.
• Organize volunteer drivers for the van provided by Veteran’s Affairs to transport Veterans to and from Veteran’s Healthcare Administration appointments and maintain a regular maintenance schedule to ensure the van’s safety.

Additional Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of government, elected officials, County staff, external users, state and local officials and agencies and vendors.
• Responsible for conducting work in a professional, timely and safe manner, and for presenting a professional and helpful demeanor with clients and co-workers, and community members.
• Demonstrates adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Responsible for demonstrating due care for the property, facility, and public information of the County and its departments.
• Attends and participates in County meetings, committees and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Commissioners and Board of Supervisors.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

• Pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 35B.3, must have served at least 90 consecutive days of military active duty (other than training), unless discharged for medical reasons, during the time period of one or more of the wars or conflicts listed in the code.
• Knowledge and a level of competency that is commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions in the department, usually interpreted to three to five years of related experience.
• Knowledge of the Veterans Affairs policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the State of Iowa Veterans’ benefits, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of military training and medical records.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county ordinances, and county department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.

The Executive Director shall also possess accreditation certification of training provided by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 35A.5, Code of Iowa.  Per the Code of Iowa, if an Executive Director does not possess certification of accreditation upon hire, they must obtain certification within one year of being employed. If an Executive Director fails to obtain certification within one year of being employed, the Executive Director shall be removed from office. Incumbent is also required to satisfy the continuing education requirements established by the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, failure of an Executive Director to maintain certification shall also be cause for removal from office. 

Skills Required:

• Mathematical: Basic math such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
• Interpersonal: Flexibility in adjusting to changing circumstances, information, employee, and customer needs. Demonstrate a willingness to take initiative. Work independently with little or no supervision. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate and present information and respond to county officials, employees and the public. Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with the public, other government entities and other external sources. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Language: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data, legal documents, or governmental regulations. Ability to prepare reports, general correspondence, and lists.
• Organizational: Ability to organize, plan and prioritize work. Utilize problem solving skills, analytical thinking in gathering and analyzing data. Ability to work under pressure, time constraints and deadlines.
• Resource Allocation: Ability to manage resources, obtain and see to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed.

Physical Demands/Work Hours:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and drive. Most frequently, the employee is required to sit. It is crucial to the outcome of job tasks that the employee is able to: talk and hear; view a computer screen for extended periods; use hands to type; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to work non-traditional work hours as community involvement necessitates.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. However, the employee is often required to travel to other locations to perform job duties. The noise level in this work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Primary work location will be within the Benton County Veteran’s Affairs Office, other county facilities, and occasional special meeting locations around the county. Evening meetings and appointments may be required. There may be occasional travel to various locations within the County to meet with Veterans if mobility limits them from traveling. Limited out of county travel and overnight conferences are necessary for training and continuing education.

To Apply:

Apply online at www.bentoncountyia.gov/employment or by emailing all application materials to HR Director, Sue Wilber at [email protected]

To be considered, all documents must be included; Benton County application, resume, letter expressing interest in the position, DD-214, and at least two professional references.

Applications due by February 23, 2024.

THE ABOVE DECLARATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN “ALL-INCLUSIVE” LIST OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB DESCRIBED OR OF THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE JOB. RATHER, THEY ARE INTENDED ONLY TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.

Benefits:

• IPERS retirement with 6.29% employee contribution and 9.44% employer contribution
• 9 paid holidays
• Vacation time, sick time, personal day and your BIRTHDAY off
• Health Insurance as low as $180 per pay period for a family plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Wellness program with opportunity to earn up to $350 in incentives and a discount on your health insurance
• EAP

 *THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN EMPLOYMENT AT BENTON COUNTY*

Return Application To

By email to [email protected] or by mail to 811 D Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349

Apply Online Printable Application

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Department: Veterans Affairs & General Assistance
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Salary Range: $58,850
• Posted: 2/13/24
• Expires: 2/22/24