Director of Veterans Services - City Of Pittsfield - Pittsfield

The Director of Veterans Services provides leadership, advocacy, and direct support for veterans and their families in the City of Pittsfield. This position oversees all programs, services, and staff dedicated to assisting veterans, with a strong focus on ensuring compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115. The Director serves as the primary resource and advocate for veterans, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community partners, to connect veterans and their dependents with the benefits, services, and recognition they deserve.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and process applications for benefits under MGL Ch. 115, ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate referrals. Receive applications for assistance, obtaining proper documentation for favorable action, make proper referrals of applicants to other agencies (federal, state or city)
• Assists Veterans and/or surviving spouses/dependents in determining proper documentation required to support a claim for MGL Chapter 115. Provides compassionate support, counseling, and advocacy to Veterans and their families, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed with dignity and respect.
• Processing claims for VA medical care, insurance, pension, compensation, burials and any other federal benefits deemed necessary.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all veteran and dependent conversations, office visits, records, and documents in accordance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state agencies, private organizations, other departments and the general public.
• Collaborates with and refers Veterans to various social service agencies (including Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services (MDVS)) to determine alternative sources of income, employment, housing, education, mental health, quality of life issues, etc. for Veterans and/or surviving spouses/dependents.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead annual community events including the Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day activities, as well as all other functions deemed beneficial to veterans.
• Serves as Burial Agent for the City in order to maintain accurate records of deceased veterans in our community.
• Coordinates the placing of flags in community cemeteries, recruits volunteers for flag placement, and orders supplies needed.
• Develops and manages the annual budget for Veteran services department/programs; Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications to secure additional resources.
• Attends meetings/seminars beneficial in the proper disposition of Veterans’ claims and meetings of other aligned groups.
• Oversees personnel functions of the department, including hiring, training, reviewing performance, etc.
• Attends seminars and training programs conducted by the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Massachusetts Veterans Services Agents Association, and other so authorized, to maintain proficiency and to keep abreast of changes in law regulations and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a Veteran as defined by MGL Ch. 115, Section 1.
• High school diploma or equivalent, degree in higher education with a concentration in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, or closely related field is preferred.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of related working experience in program management, Veteran affairs, or human services; Previous experience working with Veterans population and/or Veteran affairs strongly preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience as deemed appropriate.
• Valid driver’s license, class D.
• Possess extensive working knowledge of relative laws pertaining to Veterans to assist, advise, and advocate for Veterans and/or their dependents in matters pertaining to federal benefits.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise patience, empathy, and well-developed listening and counseling skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with professionalism and empathy.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with other employees and departments within the City.
• Previous experience managing budgets and supervising personnel.
• Certification as a Veterans’ Service Officer (must obtain this certification within one year of appointment if not already certified).

WORKING CONDITIONS (The characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

This is an office-based job in a dynamic municipal building. While performing the duties of the Director, the incumbent is required to: interact and communicate frequently with the public, government officials, other staff members and boards, and/or third parties transacting business with the City. Some evening and weekend hours are required for meetings and public events. Travel to trainings, meetings, and other communities may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

Employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects. May involve travel to meetings and other communities. Must lift/push/pull up to 15lbs

HOURS

35 Hours per week

Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:00PM

SALARY

$62,783.74 - $81,618.87

Company Description

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the City of Pittsfield is a vibrant and welcoming community that blends rich history with a forward-thinking outlook. As the cultural and economic hub of the region, Pittsfield offers a dynamic environment where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously. Our city government is committed to fostering a high quality of life for all residents by delivering essential services, promoting sustainable growth, and championing a diverse and inclusive community.

Working for the City of Pittsfield means being part of a team dedicated to public service and making a real difference in the lives of our citizens. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative. Whether it’s enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, or supporting our vibrant arts scene, every role within our organization plays a vital part in shaping the future of our city.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. Minorities are encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more connected Pittsfield, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Up to 14 paid Holidays
• Personal Days
• Vacation Time
• Earned Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement