DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is work of a routine nature involving counseling veterans and their families and assisting them to take advantage of rights and benefits. General direction of an administrative nature is received from the County Executive and general policy and technical direction is received from the New York State Veteran's Representative.  Direction is given to Veterans Assistants. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Assists veterans and members of their families relative to educa­tional training and re-training services and facilities, health, medical, and rehabilitation services, provisions of federal, state and local laws and regulations affording special rights and privileges, unemployment and re-employment services, etc.;
• Makes contacts with state and federal agencies relative to claims and benefits;
• Secures information and evidence necessary for the proper presenta­tion of claims;
• Establishes and maintains liaison with local veteran, industrial, business, civic, government and other organizations providing for benefits for veterans;
• Supervises the maintenance of records and the making of reports;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of federal, state and local laws pertaining to veterans' affairs; good knowledge of various services and benefits available to veterans; good knowledge of computer & internet technology and ability to assist others in using such technology; working knowledge of individual counseling techniques; familiarity with veterans problems and disorders, and typical signs and symptoms; proficiency in oral and written communication; ability to deal effectively and objectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and cultures; good listening skills, social perceptiveness; confidentiality; empathy and sensitivity; emotional maturity; good judgment; tact, and courtesy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and two (2)years of responsible experience which involved employment, guidance or psychological counseling, employment interviewing, personnel administration, teaching, social work, customer service, legal assistance, or therapeutic services; or
2. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and two (2)years of responsible work in an organization providing assistance or services to veterans; or
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as stated in a) and b).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1. The Deputy County Veterans Director is required to be a person who served on active duty in the uniformed services of the United States, or in the army national guard, air national guard, or service as a commissioned officer in the public health service, commissioned officer of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration or environmental sciences services administration, cadet at a United States armed forces service academy, and who has been released from such service under other than dishonorable conditions pursuant to New York State Veteran’ Services Law Section 1.
2. Within twelve (12) months of appointment incumbent must take all steps necessary to be accredited as a Veterans Service Organization representative in accordance with New York State Veteran’ Services Law Section 14.

4/82; 9/96; 7/17; 1/24

Non-Competitive Class