Director of Veterans Services Veterans Services Officer

Job Announcement Director of Veterans’ Services / Veterans’ Services Officer (VSO) Director is responsible for District operations. VSO is responsible for delivering state/federal programs, services, and assistance to veterans residing in Athol, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston and Royalston. Strong management background is required to perform complex duties requiring high degree of sound judgment, decision making and adaptability. Work independently, able to multi-task, prioritize complex and time-sensitive issues, enforce privacy and confidentiality laws, and develop the knowledge of various federal, state and local veterans programs and services. Must be a veteran discharged under honorable conditions. BS/BA is required. Able to work in a multifaceted environment that includes human relations, social work, administration, operations, and other fields. Must have a valid driver’s license/own transportation. Previous Veterans Service Officer experience is preferred, but not required. Skills: Leadership, communication, counseling, time management, conflict management, budgeting, analysis, influencing, problem identification/solving and exceptional computer literacy. 34 hours/week, Mon-Thurs, starting date: immediate, salary starting at $50,000 (negotiable) plus benefits. If interested: Mail/email letter and resume, no later than April 5th, 2026, to: Northeast Quabbin Veterans’ Services District, Search Committee, 584 Main St., Athol, MA 01331, email preferred: . Director of Veterans’ Services Job Description A.    Summary Shall be formally certified by the Secretary – Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). Administer and manage the day-to-day operation for Northeast Quabbin Veterans’ Services District (NQD) and delivering services to veterans and/or dependents formally residing in a district community. Carry-out the duties and responsibilities pursuant to M.G.L. (Massachusetts Generals Laws) Chapter 115 through the implementation of 108 CMR (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations). Knowledge of federal and state veterans’ programs and services to include, but not limited to financial benefits; health care; employment; education; retirement; other veterans' benefits; alternative resources including Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability benefits; and other federal pension and compensation entitlements. Maintain compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 115, other Massachusetts General Laws, and United States Government laws, rules & regulations. Serves under the general direction of the Secretary – DVS and direct supervision of NQD Board Chair. B.    Key Areas Of Responsibility M.G.L. Chapter 115. Sections 10 – 15:  District administration and operations.          a. Creates and presents the annual Administrative Budget to the Board for certification.          b. Based on the prior fiscal year’s spending pattern, projects Veterans’ Benefits spending to each municipality.          c. Deliver district-wide operations reports and updates at board meetings.          d. Manage, analyze, forecast and report current year veterans’ benefits expenditures, trends and reimbursements for each municipality to the NQD Board of Directors.          e. Authors and delivers ancillary reports including the NQD Fiscal Year Annual Report to the board and member communities.          f. Prepare, for the board chair, the biennial re-application for submission to the Secretary-DVS for approval to continue district operations.       2. M.G.L. Chapter 115. Sections 1 – 9:  Veterans’ Benefits Administration:           a. Implement 108 CMR to ensure proper administration of Chapter 115.           b. Interview, analyze mandatory documentation, and process veterans’ benefits applications.           c. Determine applicant’s eligibility to receive veterans’ benefits.           d. Process reimbursement requests to DVS for benefits to be paid to eligible recipients.           e. Prepare and issue monthly warrants to each municipality to pay veterans’ benefits.           f. Close benefit month for each municipality creating VS5 & VS6 reports detailing monthly Chapter 115 Veterans’ Benefits payments           g. Notify municipal treasurers to certify the closed benefit month resulting in the creation of the VS7 document that identifies the reimbursement amount.           h. Investigate, review, and if necessary visit a recipient’s residence to determine their continuing eligibility to receive veterans’ benefits.           i. Maintain veterans discharge documents, service records, and other documents in a private and secure office           j. Process Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Burial Applications for Winchendon or Agawam.           k. Process War-time Bonus applications.           l. Implement directives as issued by the Secretary – DVS.           m. Collaborate with other state agencies, area nonprofit agencies and local businesses that may assist with employment, healthcare, health insurance, fuel emergencies, shelters for the prevention of homelessness, transitional housing, burials, etc.      3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including but not limited to:            a. Interview, analyze documentation, and process applications for: Service-connected disability claims Veterans Non-service Connected Disability Pensions Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims Death pension VA Healthcare Homebound or Nursing Home Aid & Attendance Veteran’s Grave Marker or Medallion             b. Expedite rating decision process.             c. Prepare and submit Notice of Disagreement or Appeal with a VA rating decisions.             d. Terminate compensation benefits due to death, remarried widow(er), etc.       4. U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), including but not limited to:             a. Requests for military discharge documents, personnel and medical records.             b. Submit applications to change incorrect information on discharge documents.             c. Submit applications to review and request a change to type of discharge.             d. Initiate contact to escalate issues to appropriate departments when a recently discharged veteran has suffered an injustice at the expense of the department.       5. Social Security Administration (SSA)              a. Establish and maintain formal communications and relationships with regional managers.              b. Assist retirees to ensure a reasonably smooth transition for veterans nearing retirement and applying for Social Security Benefits, Medicare Part A & Part B, etc.        6. Other U.S. Agencies Programs (administered by contractors)              a. LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Program (Fuel assistance)              b. HHS – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)              c. HUD – Low income housing program C.    Key Requirements & Abilities Must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces discharged under honorable conditions Professional operations management background and demonstrated skills listed in the Key Skills section below. Work independently with little or no supervision. Pursuant to MGL Chapter 115. Section 3B:             a. Within six months of appointment, must successfully pass the “Veterans’ Services Officer Certification Examination” to be certified as a veterans’ benefits and services officer.             b. Attend annual DVS mandatory training             c. Once every three years, take and pass the Veterans’ Services Officer Certification Examination to maintain certification.       5. Manage the administrative function including; financials, budgeting, forecasting trends, reporting, reconciling, etc.; caseload management; acquire the expertise to conduct operational requirements effectively utilizing automated federal, state and local programs, processes and databases.       6. Visit district veterans who may be housebound, hospitalized, or a resident in a nursing home.       7. Preserve veterans’ privacy and prevent unauthorized access to their confidential information.       8. If requested, accompany a district board member to meetings with their Board of Selectmen or Finance Committee.       9. Establish effective relationships with federal, state, local area agencies, veterans’ organizations and the general public.       10. First priority is to serve veterans and other eligible beneficiaries, and second priority is to manage the District.       11. Functions other than those described herein for individuals or towns will be done on a voluntary basis utilizing personal time. D.    Knowledge Develop, apply and maintain a thorough knowledge of M.G.L. Chapter 115, 108 CMR, and directives issued by Secretary – DVS. Develop, apply and maintain thorough knowledge of Federal Laws, Rules & Regulations, processes, and directives applicable to federal benefits and services available to veterans. E.    Key Skills Leadership Managing Directing Decision making Time Management Prioritization Communication Interpersonal Budgeting/Financial Analytical Forecasting Reporting Counseling Interviewing Influencing Escalation Investigative Negotiating Conflict Management Problem identification Problem solving recblid isgh703im64781psxdeacdbdqqi2d3

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