Veterans Services Director

Paw Paw, MI

Full Time

Veteran Services

Experienced

2026 Salary Range: $72,139.55 - $87,937.71
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the County Administrator, serves as lead staff on all veterans’ services initiatives. Develops and leads the departmental vision, mission, goals, programs, services, and budget. Writes grants and seeks funding opportunities to grow programs and services. Provides information, assistance, and referral services. Assesses eligibility for benefits and processes applications. Supervises direct staff. Prepares reports and attends board meetings as required. This position reports to the County Administrator.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

Must possess a thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing the provision of veterans’ services.
Exceptional planning, prioritization and organizational skills accompanied by strong attention to detail.
Skilled in developing and delivering reports and presentations.
Ability to deliver excellent oral and written communication skills in a manner appropriate to the audience.
Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Adobe, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to complete work online, in the field or in a remote environment.
Work independently and with the County Administrator and other Directors as required.
Excellent customer service skills.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Departmental Management

Lead, mentor and supervise Veteran Service Office staff, making personnel decisions related to hiring, training, evaluation and discipline according to County policies.
Manage the Department’s budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support veteran initiatives.
Maintain a culture of customer service and collaboration, serving as the primary liaison for veteran services to external agencies.
Ensure compliance with veteran service certification requirements.

Grant Management

Investigates and obtains funding opportunities to support growth in the services provided to veterans.
Completes reporting requirements.
Directly responsible for coordination and funding for the Dental Program
Directly responsible for the planning and execution of the Emotional Service Animal Program.

Veteran Services

Reviews military discharge certificates, veteran's administration documents, other documents, records relating to the status of veterans and for information on backgrounds.
Assists veterans in preparing applications for assistance; interviews veterans and dependents, and counsels them on appropriate services and agencies available to them.
Performs outreach and marketing duties to inform veterans and their spouses of other benefits available.
Coordinates outreach with employment offices, schools, hospitals, and other agencies to secure and arrange for aid to veterans; coordinates with nursing homes to ensure full benefits are received.
Represents veterans and dependents at hearings before appeal boards adjudicating veteran aid and pension matters.
Acts as burial agent and/or graves registration officer for securing burial allowance and grave markers; ensures that all veterans’ graves and memorials are maintained properly.
Directly responsible for Relief Programs including the Soldier & Sailors Relief Commission and State Property Tax Relief.
Attends Veterans’ Agent association meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain up-to-date of programs, services, practices, and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree and one to three years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in veterans’ services, human relations, social service fields or business. Must have management experience. Service in the Armed Forces of the United States, with a discharge under honorable conditions is preferred. Must have a valid Driver's License. Veterans’ Services Officers must complete the National Association of County Veterans Service Officer training and Department of Veterans Services certification process within one (1) year of their initial hire date and continuing Education Units (CEU's) every year thereafter.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to travel as needed. Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen. Applicant must complete County application form.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:              Supervises two full-time employees.

Delegation of Work:       Veteran Services as listed above

Supervision Given:        Makes final decision on evaluating employee performance; scheduling work hours of other employees; on coaching and counseling; training; handling employee grievances and complaints; granting time off. Provides recommendations on promotions; salary increases; hiring new employees; discharging employees; and disciplinary actions.

Reports To:                   This position reports to the County Administrator

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The primary work location is in an office environment. Work may also be done in the community or remotely. Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about sitting (80%), walking (10%), and standing, etc. Occasional lifting, pushing, climbing, and pulling may be required of around twenty-five pounds. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.

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The County of Van Buren is committed to ensuring honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States are provided preference in public employment consistent with Michigan Public Act 205 of 1897, as amended. If you meet the definition of a “veteran” provided by MCL 35.61.

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I authorize the investigation of all statements, including references, in this application for employment as necessary for arriving at an employment decision. I also specifically waive any written notice requirements of Section 67 of 1978 PA 397 pertaining to disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary actions. I also waive any claim against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT and all current or former employers arising from such investigation or disclosure, including, but not limited to, slander and libel that may result from furnishing any information to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This employment application shall be considered active for a period not to exceed 90 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this period should inquire whether applications are being accepted at that time. I hereby understand and acknowledge that in the absence of an express written contract or agreement to the contrary; any employment relationship with VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT of an “at-will” nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.
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Veterans Services Director

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