Director of Veteran's Affairs in York, Pennsylvania at County of York

The Director of Veterans’ Affairs is directly responsible for administration, management and strategic direction of veterans’ affairs in York County. The Director will develop and manage a high-performance team that provides compassionate guidance and assistance to county veterans and their families to identify possible resources, determine eligibility for benefits and assist in preparation of and application for federal, state and county benefits and programs. This position will collaborate and partner with all county veterans’ organizations to provide services and programs to meet the short- and long-term goals of all veterans and their families.

• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable discharge, or an eligible surviving family member.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in government, business, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of experience serving veterans through public service, human services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of veterans' benefits, programs, rights, and services at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of social, economic, and community factors affecting veterans and service delivery.
• Commitment to the Veteran-to-Veteran (Vet-to-Vet) / Shoulder-to-Shoulder approach, focused on simplifying processes and improving the veteran experience.
• Knowledge of governmental, nonprofit, and community organizations that provide services to veterans.
• Ability to develop and conduct outreach, education, and informational programs.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with veterans, their families, service providers, government agencies, and the public.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
• Obtain and maintain required accreditation and training for use of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs systems and programs.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture that reflects the County’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

Leadership and Administration

• Direct, plan, implement, and evaluate York County veterans’ services programs, initiatives, and outreach activities to ensure the effective delivery of benefits, resources, and support services to veterans and their families.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, performance standards, and operational objectives consistent with County policies and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, supervision, training, mentoring, and performance management for Veterans Affairs staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
• Develop, administer, and monitor the department budget; oversee expenditures, maintain required records, and prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Board of Commissioners and other stakeholders.

Veterans Benefits Administration and Advocacy

• Administer and oversee the delivery of comprehensive veterans’ benefits assistance, including claims related to disability compensation, pension, insurance, education, home loans, healthcare, rehabilitation, and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Maintain expert knowledge of Department of Veterans Affairs regulations, policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements to ensure accurate and compliant claims development and processing.
• Assist veterans, dependents, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries in identifying, applying for, and obtaining benefits and services for which they may be eligible.
• Serve as an accredited advocate and representative, including exercising power of attorney authority when applicable, to represent veterans during appeals before administrative and judicial review bodies.
• Verify eligibility and assist in obtaining military service records, medical documentation, discharge papers, and other materials necessary to support benefit applications and appeals.

Case Management and Support Services

• Provide guidance and referrals to veterans and family members regarding employment, housing, healthcare, behavioral health, substance use treatment, transportation, financial assistance, and other supportive services.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, treatment facilities, social service agencies, and community organizations to facilitate access to appropriate care and support.
• Conduct office visits, hospital visits, clinic visits, home visits, and other outreach activities to assess needs, provide assistance, and strengthen access to veterans’ services.
• Assist families of deceased veterans by identifying available benefits, coordinating burial-related services, and providing information regarding survivor benefits.

Community Relations and Intergovernmental Coordination

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with federal, state, county, and local agencies, elected officials, veterans’ organizations, community groups, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the County’s primary liaison to veterans’ service organizations and community partners, communicating program updates, regulatory changes, and available resources.
• Advocate on behalf of veterans and their families with governmental entities and service providers to resolve issues and improve access to benefits and services.
• Represent York County at meetings, conferences, public events, ceremonies, and professional organizations related to veterans’ affairs and community engagement.

Strategic Planning, Compliance, and Policy Development

• Monitor, review, and interpret federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, policies, and emerging issues affecting veterans and veterans’ services programs.
• Assess the impact of legislative and regulatory changes and recommend policy, operational, or programmatic responses to County leadership.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and County requirements.
• Identify community needs, evaluate program effectiveness, analyze service trends, and recommend enhancements to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.
• Supports and implements the County-wide strategic plan adopted by the County Commissioners.

Records Management and Memorial Affairs

• Maintain accurate records related to veterans’ services, burial benefits, cemetery records, and departmental operations in accordance with legal and record retention requirements.
• Administer programs honoring veterans, including the procurement, distribution, and coordination of memorial flags, grave markers, and related commemorative activities.

Professional Development

• Participate in continuing education, professional training, accreditation activities, and industry conferences to maintain expertise in veterans’ benefits, advocacy, and program administration.
• Remain current on emerging trends, legislation, and best practices affecting veterans’ services and public sector administration.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.