Northern Maine Veterans Services Officer

Location: Bangor,Maine,United States

Department of Defense, Veterans & Emergency Management

Job Class Code: 0831
Grade: 25/Supervisory
Salary: $57,408.00-81,078.40/Annually 
Location: Bangor

Opening Date: November 26, 2024

Closing Date:  December 12, 2024

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is excited to be hiring for a Northern Maine, Veterans Services Officer (VSO)! This is your chance to join a dynamic team of professionals that support Maine veterans and their dependents across the state to attain all possible state and federal veteran benefits, as well as survivor benefits. If you are a veteran looking to help other veterans, then the Northern Maine VSO is the position for you!

Primary responsibilities include:  

The primary purpose of this position is to provide personalized, local service to veterans and their dependents in obtaining state and federal benefits based out of our Bangor Field Office. 
The VSO is professional services work that involves advocating, advising, and assisting veterans and their families in securing all possible entitlements, other benefits, and services to which they may be entitled under state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.  In this position, the individual will potentially assist incarcerated or homeless veterans with claims and services.  They will also potentially assist with claims involving issues of a sensitive nature, such as military sexual and/or personal trauma, and promote the use of VA benefits, programs, and services. This position requires extensive travel throughout northern Maine. 

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of basic supervisory techniques and office management practices
• Knowledge of various assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents
• Ability to prepare and maintain records within client management software
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers, and the public
• Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims of trauma and/or depressed clients, including those with mental disorders or with chemical dependency
• Ability to conduct interviews with veterans and obtain information pertinent to veteran’s benefits
• Ability to maintain a respectful and professional relationship with claimants, supervisors, and VA personnel
• Ability to maintain a working relationship with veterans’ organizations, staff, volunteers, and news media; providing information regarding Bureau programs and services and performing field informational and claim visits to clients

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, Social Services/Behavioral Science, or related field and two (2) years’ experience in directly providing and/or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. 

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

State of Maine & US Department of Veterans Affairs Training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation (TRIP)

National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP)

Successful completion of fingerprinting and Federal background check

Applicants must be veterans as defined by must be veterans as defined by 38 United States Code, Section 101 (2) who were separated with an honorable discharge.  Proof of Veterans Status (DD Form 214) must accompany application.  The DD Form 214 must include the “Character of Service”.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Experience working on diverse personnel and sensitive issues is preferred. Experience working with federal and state veterans' benefits and services is preferred. Experience speaking and presenting in public is strongly preferred. Experience driving a truck towing a trailer is preferred.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Matthew Kennedy matthew.r.kennedy@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have