Director of Veterans Affairs

Director of Veteran Affairs

Under the direction of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the County Administrator, establishes, directs, and participates in the provision of assistance to veterans, their survivors and dependents in applying for various veterans benefits. Interviews and assists veterans and their dependents regarding benefits and other issues. Assesses, develops, and processes claims for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Michigan for veterans and their families. Oversees and operates the Veterans Burial Fund and the Veterans Relief Fund (aka Soldiers Relief Fund). Oversees the All Wars Memorial Maintenance Fund. Supervises all Veterans Department Staff.

Essential Functions

1. Plans, develops, and implements policies and procedures to guide departmental operations. Remains abreast of changes in laws and program requirements in order to modify policies and procedures when needed. Supervises all Veterans Department staff.

2. Interviews and assists veterans, their survivors and dependents to secure benefits under programs providing assistance to veterans such as service connected disability, non-service connected disability pension, survivors pension, life insurance, home loans, death benefits, education, vocational rehabilitation, discharge upgrades, job finding assistance and reemployment rights, medical/psychological benefits, to include advocating proper treatment and taking corrective action as necessary.

3. Regularly prepares claims and supporting documents, researches and assembles evidence and otherwise documents claims applications. Advises veterans on appeal procedures, grounds for appeal, and researches legal precedents, court decisions, medical evidence, and laws. Prepares and drafts appeals documents setting forth arguments for granting claims.

4. Oversees and operates the County Veterans Relief Fund (aka Soldiers Relief Fund). Includes interviewing candidates, developing and investigating evidence, making eligibility decision, and ensuring proper record keeping. Assists veterans and dependents by assisting with Emergency Food Vouchers.

5. Oversees and operates the County Veterans Burial Fund to provide an allowance for the burials of eligible wartime veterans and dependents and for installation of a grave marker.

6. Interviews veterans with medical, psychological and alcohol/drug problems and advises on the availability of treatment and hospitalization, makes referrals, and arranges admissions and transportation in emergency situations.

7. Stays abreast of services available through community agencies and refers veterans to those agencies as appropriate. Coordinates efforts with other human service agencies such as the Commission on Aging, Veterans Trust Fund, and Salvation Army and serves as liaison to such agencies.

8. Provides technical expertise on veterans benefits, legislation and related matters to the Board of Commissioners, Veterans Committee, and other groups.

9. Produces and monitors the department’s budget, approves expenditures. Ensures adherence to all county financial policies and procedures along with other administrative functions.

10. Establishes and maintains a reference library of federal, state, and local veterans laws, codes, manuals, and judicial decisions.

Employment Qualifications

Knowledge and Education: Professional level knowledge in a specialized field, equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a regular four-year college program. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, an Associates Degree is required with strong speaking and writing skills in the English language, strong analytical and Research skills, and familiarity with medical terminology. This position must have or be able to earn VA accreditation. Education requirements may be waived with two (2) years of prior experience as a Veterans Service Officer.

Work Experience: Experience that provides familiarity with researching, developing, documenting, and investigating claims. Experience with identifying grant funding opportunities, writing grant applications, grant reporting and management. Prefer experience in an agency dealing with veterans issues (to include Honorable military service). Position requires three to five years of experience to master.

Contacts and Working Relationships: Job requires interpreting and translating complex federal and state laws and regulations; requires interpreting and translating facts and information; explaining situations and issues to veterans and their dependents and advising them of alternative or appropriate courses of action; and interviewing and developing information from others. Requires the ability to communicate complex and technical information in a way that it can be understood, and to establish trusting relationships with those we serve.

Technology Application: Requires a high degree of skill with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software; some skill with financial analysis and statistical presentations. Position requires Remote Access to VA Computer Systems per MVAA grant requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises all Veterans Service Officers and Office Administrative Assistant. Makes recommendations to Veterans Committee and County Administrator regarding hiring, disciplinary actions, and termination of office personnel. Makes recommendations to the Veterans Committee and County Administrator regarding increases in base pay levels, and promotions.

Job Impact: Professional competence has a substantial financial impact on clients.

Independence of Action: Works under broad administrative direction from the Veterans Committee and the County Administrator. Has substantial discretion in interpreting policies, procedures and practices, and in selecting and determining alternative courses of action regarding Veterans Affairs.

Job Complexity: Job requires the use of data and information which are primarily factual in nature but include some inferential elements. The VA standard of proof is “as likely as not,” hence, a VSO must be able to infer potential outcomes from the facts presented, then seek and research appropriate medical and scientific evidence, interpret the findings, and then creatively present those facts and evidence to the VA in a winsome manner. Needed data and information may require significant time and effort to obtain and organize. “There are major intangibles or uncertainties to be considered.” In addition to VSO duties, the Director must use data and information requiring both factual and inferential elements in advocating for Veterans issues to the Administration and the County Board

Working Conditions: Typically works in office conditions but travels to various sites to attend meetings and perform other job functions. Exposure to individuals with various emotional/mental health problems.

We offer competitive salary and benefits packages. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our local Veterans!

To apply, please visit our website at www.gratiotmi.com/jobs. Post closes January 16, 2026.

Gratiot County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.87 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ithaca, MI 48847

Salary : $27