JOB
This position functions at the professional level and assists veterans and their dependents with applications for benefits offered by the Federal, State, and County governments. Additionally, the director is responsible for directing the unionized workforce in compliance with applicable employment laws and negotiated union contracts. The Director of Veteran Affairs is also responsible for annual budget preparation.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Administrative DutiesDirect the Workforce in a collaborative spirit in compliance with all State and Federal Employment LawsEnsure Compliance with all applicable Labor AgreementsPrepare Annual BudgetsMaintain Accurate and Timely Payroll RecordsContinually strive to develop best practices in order to deliver exceptional service to Luzerne County Veterans and their dependents in a cost effective manner.Assist veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional, by initiating or reopening claims: Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability).Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s).Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veteran’s former military “buddies”, family members, or other sources.Assist eligible veterans in filing substantially complete applications for education benefits through the GI Bill, or vocational rehabilitation programs.Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.Assist a veteran, or the eligible survivor of a veteran, in obtaining Veterans Administration home loan benefits.Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.Enter all claims information into the Veterans Information System program.Keep in contact VA Officials and the veteran’ Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims.Assist veterans/dependents in potential appeals of denied claims to the VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C.Assist veterans in obtaining medical, financial, or other information necessary for the appeal.Assist veterans in preparation for personal hearings at the VARO, to include accompanying them to the hearing, if necessary.Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefitsAssist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS).Assist in completing required paperwork, and obtain all necessary records for the VAMCs or CBOCs to accept the veteran for care as an inpatient or outpatient.Work with the VAMCs or CBOCs to schedule necessary appointments for the veteran.Work with VA professional in obtaining public health services, home health care, or placement in local nursing homes or the Pennsylvania Veteran Homes.Assist veterans in applying for available Pennsylvania State benefits from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (PDMVA), by initiating or reopening claims. Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for the following state benefits for veterans and their dependents: Emergency AssistanceReal Estate Property Tax ExemptionBlind PensionParalyzed PensionEducational GratuityOther benefits enacted by statute Assist Veterans through outreach efforts at local State Legislature OfficesEffectively fulfill all legal requirements for Veteran Benefits provided for by Pennsylvania StatutesAssist veterans and their dependents in applying for County Veteran Benefits: Burial BenefitsVeteran ID CardsAttends workshops, seminars, conferences, and training so as to be knowledgeable regarding the latest changes to the Federal and State laws which govern veteran benefits.Miscellaneous DutiesPresent information to the different county veterans’ organizations to brief members on changes to existing veteran benefit programs.Present information regarding veteran benefits to community organizations at their request.Responsible for keeping of office records, including file generation, HIPPA compliance, and retention policy and standards.Orders supplies and services for the Luzerne County Veteran Affairs Office as needed.Other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the Veteran Affairs Office necessary to provide useful and timely assistance to Luzerne County Veterans and their dependents.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with either an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree• Honorable Military Service in the Armed Forces of the United States, constituting service other than for training• One to two years related experience and/or training• Or equivalent combination of education and experienceIf you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled date.LUZERNE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.