Director of Veteran Services

About the Role

The Director of Veteran Services is responsible for the direction and leadership of operational, financial, program, and personnel activities for Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Veteran Affairs. This individual oversees the administration of the Second Class County code pertaining to services for veterans and their families, including:

• Working with veterans and their families to secure their rights in matters relating to their person, property, and care under laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States, and Montgomery County.
• Administering provisions related to the burial of deceased service persons and their widows/widowers, furnishing markers, and arranging headstones for graves.
• Compiling and maintaining the Montgomery County Veterans’ Grave Registration Record and providing that information to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
• Assisting the County in cooperating with Pennsylvania’s Deputy Adjutant General in charge of Veterans’ Affairs.

This position represents the County in meetings, programs, and ceremonies held by veterans’ service organizations, boroughs, townships, and community organizations. The role is situated within the Department of Health and Human Services, which uses a person-centered, holistic, and integrated approach to provide accessible resources for Montgomery County residents. As a member of the Health and Human Services Cabinet, the Director collaborates with all other HHS Offices.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Build, maintain, and lead a high-performing team through recruiting, training, performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Uphold and communicate HHS core values, culture, and strategic imperatives.
• Develop and manage initiatives with measurable outcomes in collaboration with the Office of Performance and Planning.
• Demonstrate proactive problem-solving and issue management.
• Maintain alignment with the Director of HHS and Office of Strategy Management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specialized Duties

• Represent the County by leading meetings, programs, and ceremonies for veterans’ service organizations, local municipalities, and community groups.
• Direct, manage, and supervise the office and staff to ensure veterans and their families receive competent assistance in obtaining services and benefits.
• Manage the shuttle van program, including its budget, policies, and personnel.
• Develop strategies to inform County residents about services offered by the department and other public-serving offices.
• Create and implement innovative programs to serve the County’s veteran community.
• Oversee daily office operations, including planning, organizing, assigning, and evaluating staff work.
• Advocate for veterans and their families, coordinating actions across federal, state, county, and local agencies to expedite claims and service delivery.
• Review, analyze, and develop office policies and procedures.
• Handle public inquiries, resolve complaints, and provide information.
• Prepare and present the proposed annual department budget.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County departments, public officials, veterans’ organizations, and the public.
• Authorize payments for County veterans’ burial benefits and Memorial Day reimbursements for veterans’ service organizations.
• Determine, order, and coordinate the distribution of flags for veterans’ graves on Memorial Day.
• Maintain accreditation for self and office by attending U.S. Veterans Affairs and Veteran Service Officer training sessions.
• Make presentations to veterans’ organizations and civic groups regarding veterans’ issues and benefits.
• Respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of veterans and their families.
• Serve as a liaison to federal and state legislators regarding veterans’ legislation.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of veterans’ records per Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations.
• Keep the County informed of legislative or regulatory changes affecting department operations.
• Coordinate participation in the Veterans Treatment Court Team.
• Research and apply for government and foundation grants, reporting on their use to grant agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or a minimum of 5 years of related experience in public contact work in Veterans Affairs.
• Completion of service in a branch of the United States Armed Services or the Pennsylvania National Guard with an honorable discharge.
• Ability to obtain Veteran Service Office accreditation within one year of hiring.

Skills

• Budgetary and fiscal management.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Organization and time management.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Short- and long-range planning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent supervisory and presentation skills.
• Experience with grant writing and research (preferred).
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Extensive travel throughout the County is required.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.