ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL

VACANCY NOTICE

Veterans Service Officer

Starting Annual Salary: $61,745

The Erie County Executive's Office is seeking a person for the position of Veterans Service Officer.  The work involves the planning, coordination and direction of the County Veterans' Services Office. This is an administrative position involving responsibility for planning and directing the activities of the County Veterans' Service program. Work requires a thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws pertaining to veterans' benefits and of regulations and procedures established by the Veterans Administration and other Federal agencies. Supervision is exercised over lower level employees. The work is performed without direct supervision in accordance with general policies outlined by the County Executive.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Represents veterans in hearings before the adjudication board of the Veterans Administration;

Personally interviews claimants in need of assistance;

Makes necessary contacts with various Federal, State and local agencies relative to claims and benefits to which veterans and their dependents are entitled;

Secures documentary evidence necessary for the proper presentation of claims and represents veterans and claimants before various boards or officials;

Attends conferences held by the Veterans Administration and other government agencies;

Prepares the annual office budget;

Attends meetings of the County Legislature and makes periodic reports to the Legislation and to the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations relating to veterans' benefits and services; Thorough knowledge of the forms, methods and procedures and records involved in the processing of veterans' benefit claims; Good knowledge of counseling techniques; Ability in public relations; Ability to lay out and supervise the work of a staff of subordinates; Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; Interest in veterans' problems; Good judgment; resourcefulness; tact; Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

Four (4) years of business, personnel or administrative experience, which included giving assistance to individuals regarding personal, legal, financial or placement problems.

Effective April 9, 1996, applicants and appointees to this position must be a veteran as defined by New York State Statute; specifically Executive Law, Article 17, Section 350 which states: A veteran is someone who served "in the active military or naval service of the United States during a war in which the United States was engaged and who has been released from such service otherwise than by dishonorable discharge, or who has been furloughed to the reserve."

 Competitive benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage and NYS retirement.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume by June 24th, 2022 to:

Jennifer Hibit

Chief of Staff to the Erie County Executive

95 Franklin Street, 16th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202

or by email to Jennifer.Hibit@erie.gov

Only those whose resumes are being considered will be contacted.

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer