Veterans Services Officer - Homeless Veterans Coordinator

Veterans Services Officer - Homeless Veterans CoordinatorAugusta , Maine , United States | Professional/Technical | Full-time Apply by: Feb. 6, 2022 Apply with Linkedin ApplyDepartment of Defense, Veterans & Emergency ManagementOpening Date: January 21, 2022Closing Date: February 6, 2022 Job Class Code: 0831Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)Salary: $43,409 - $58,531 Location: Augusta (statewide travel)The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is excited to be hiring for a Homeless Veterans Coordinator. If you’re a veteran, 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, as well as survivor benefits.The primary purpose of this position is to be the Bureau’s lead and point of contact for homeless veterans issues, representing the Bureau on homeless veterans committees and assisting with compiling data for mandated legislative reports and policy decisions. The position requires clear and consistent communication with Maine Bureau of Veterans Services leadership, Bureau employees, the Homeless Veterans Action Committee and other partner organizations throughout the state. Frequent statewide travel is required. The applicant must be a veteran as defined by Federal law.The Homeless Veterans Coordinator will advocate for homeless and at-risk veterans on problems, in general, which may relate to income, health, education and family situations using expertise and knowledge of other agencies, both state and federal in order to provide for the veteran/dependents in need.Required knowledge & abilities: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

Knowledge of basic supervisory techniques and office management practices

Knowledge of various assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents

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 prepare and maintain records within client management software

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. 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.SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be veterans as defined by 38 US Code, Section 101(2) “A veteran is a person who serves in the active military, naval or air service and who was discharged or released therefore under conditions other than dishonorable”. Proof of Veterans Status (DD Form 214) must accompany application. The DD Form 214 must include the “Character of Service”.OTHER REQUIREMENTS:Must have a valid driver’s license.

Must complete US Department of Veterans Affairs requirements for claims representation during the first 90 days of hire to include: Pass TRIP training, finger printing requirements and federal background check.

Contact Information: Questions about this posting should be directed to Jaime Robichaud at jaime.robichaud@maine.govApplication 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 considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact Melissa Weiner, Human Resources Generalist at (207) 816-0217. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date. Benefits of working for the State of Maine:No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .

Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.