What are the responsibilities and job description for the WDVA Director of Veteran Services, Full-Time - Permanent, Olympia Central Office position at State of Washington?
Description
Director of Veteran Services
EMS Band III
Full-Time - Permanent
Olympia Central Office
Are you a U.S. Veteran with a wealth of experience in senior-level organizational leadership? Do you thrive in challenging professional environments requiring seasoned interpersonal tact and the ability to foster enduring relationships with city governments, federal agencies, non-profits, and corporate organizations? Here is your opportunity to directly impact positive change for the lives of Washington state's Veterans and their Families!
Our agency, dedicated to "Serving Those Who Served," values your expertise and passion for other Veterans and their Families. Our Director of Veteran Services is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a Veteran advocate to lead the charge in promoting and safeguarding the delivery of vital Veteran programs, grants, and contracts throughout Washington state.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Help us continue to build a shared vision with our community partners and apply today!
Application Review: The first review of applications will be conducted on or about 9/24/2025.
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates. Please contact Aschlee.Heiny@DVA.WA.GOV for additional information.
Duties
Some Of What You'll Do
Travel Requirements: This position requires frequent travel for meetings and to WDVA locations throughout the state, including skilled nursing facilities, transitional housing programs, and public offices. Occasional out-of-state travel is required.
Required:
Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!
Application Process
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Are you a Veteran per RCW 41.04.007 with a qualifying discharge per RCW 73.04.005?
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Please mark the education and experience status that applies to you:
Please select the option below that best describes how you heard about this job opportunity.
If you answered career/hiring event or other to the previous question, please specify below.
Director of Veteran Services
EMS Band III
Full-Time - Permanent
Olympia Central Office
Are you a U.S. Veteran with a wealth of experience in senior-level organizational leadership? Do you thrive in challenging professional environments requiring seasoned interpersonal tact and the ability to foster enduring relationships with city governments, federal agencies, non-profits, and corporate organizations? Here is your opportunity to directly impact positive change for the lives of Washington state's Veterans and their Families!
Our agency, dedicated to "Serving Those Who Served," values your expertise and passion for other Veterans and their Families. Our Director of Veteran Services is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a Veteran advocate to lead the charge in promoting and safeguarding the delivery of vital Veteran programs, grants, and contracts throughout Washington state.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Help us continue to build a shared vision with our community partners and apply today!
Application Review: The first review of applications will be conducted on or about 9/24/2025.
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates. Please contact Aschlee.Heiny@DVA.WA.GOV for additional information.
Duties
Some Of What You'll Do
- Administer the statewide delivery of Veteran Services Counseling Wellness programs and services.
- Oversee and develop programs to improve quality of life for Washington's vulnerable Veteran population including incompetent, homeless, incarcerated, elderly, and recently separated Veterans.
- Review programs using performance management, continuous improvements, change management, and strategic planning.
- Provide the vision and leadership to guide division leaders to the highest level of excellence.
- Plan, implement, and monitor outcomes from all field operational areas and recommend agency policies and procedures to support the changing Veterans' environment in three main departments.
- Incorporate the Behavioral Health, Apprenticeship Programs, and Veterans Conservation Corps into the Field Services environment to ensure a seamless delivery of benefits, homeless services, job opportunities, and mental health services statewide and first-class customer service.
- Develop strategic objectives addressing programs mandated by the legislature.
- Foster interagency and multi-jurisdictional partner coordination regarding Veteran benefits awareness, availability, and access to other agency services and outreach to Veterans to identify benefits eligibility and improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families.
- Provide executive management of business development with external partners; accomplish all necessary tasks to take an initiative or plan to fruition as a fully funded program.
- Develop and manage $41M program budget per biennium.
- Responsible for departmental management and oversight of approximately 85 full-time employees, over 200 contract and volunteer service providers and 30 diverse subprograms in 10 locations that span a broad range of services.
- Represent the agency at state and national initiatives, summits, conferences, and public functions.
- Serve as the Executive Sponsor for the Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) which includes participation on OFM's Business Resource Group to ensure compliance and alignment with the Governor's Executive Order 19-1.
Travel Requirements: This position requires frequent travel for meetings and to WDVA locations throughout the state, including skilled nursing facilities, transitional housing programs, and public offices. Occasional out-of-state travel is required.
- Complete Position Description available upon request*
Required:
- Must be a Veteran per RCW 41.04.007 with a qualifying discharge per RCW 73.04.005.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field.
- Seven (7) years of experience of progressive business/financial, leadership, and management experience with at least five (5) years at the senior level. A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
- Demonstrated and proven ability to manage budgets, interpret data, and strong competency with contemporary management principles and practices.
- Substantive experience in program budgeting, capital and operating budget, and overall fiscal management.
- Substantive understanding of the state or county legislative process, management, urban planning, contracts and procurement, intergovernmental relations, customer and public relations, fleet management, workforce planning and support, labor relations, and HR services.
- Organizational management experience with the ability to coach senior-level staff to manage and develop high-performing teams and implement innovative strategies that support the WDVA Strategic Plan.
- Interpersonal Influence: Demonstrate long-term view to build a shared vision with partners and act as a catalyst for WDVA's organizational and cultural change; influence others to translate vision into action.
- Inclusiveness: Demonstrated ability to actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.
- Leadership and People Management: Meet with direct reports to set and clarify expectations and provide feedback and coaching; track employee performance; deal promptly with performance problems by working with staff to diagnose problems, develop solutions, and monitor progress.
- Communications Effectiveness: Demonstrated ability to communicate clear, timely, and persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
- Performance Leadership: Demonstrated ability to actively participate/support efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals.
- Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.
- Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrated ability to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Master's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field.
- Ten (10) years of progressive business/financial, leadership, and management experience with at least five (5) years of experience at the senior executive level.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a large division that encompasses social services, housing, preventative services, and community-based interventions and objectives.
- Strategic planning experience.
- Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Must be a Veteran per RCW 41.04.007 with a qualifying discharge per RCW 73.04.005.
- Must be able to pass annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.600 Tuberculosis Testing.
- Must be proficient in the English language and be able to read, write and speak English.
- Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
- Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
- Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
- In an emergency situation, employees may be asked to stay for an extended period of time and perform duties appropriate to the situation.
- Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
- Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!
Application Process
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
- A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
- A current resume detailing applicable experience and education. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
- This position is non-represented.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Are you a Veteran per RCW 41.04.007 with a qualifying discharge per RCW 73.04.005?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Please mark the education and experience status that applies to you:
- I have a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field AND seven (7) years of progressive business/financial, leadership, and management experience with at least five (5) years at the senior level.
- I have a combination of education and professional experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree AND seven (7) years of experience.
- I have master’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field.
- I have ten (10) years of progressive business/financial, leadership and management experience with at least five (5) years at the senior executive level.
- I do not have a bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience (or equivalent education and experience).
Please select the option below that best describes how you heard about this job opportunity.
- www.careers.wa.gov
- Aggregate job search website such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, etc
- Craigslist
- Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) employee
- Non-WDVA Washington State employee
- WorkSource Representative or website
- Military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) such as ACAP
- Career Fair/Hiring Event (please specify event below)
- Heroes to Hired, h2h.jobs
- Other (please specify below)
If you answered career/hiring event or other to the previous question, please specify below.
- Required Question
