This is advanced professional and supervisory work directing the Metro-Dade County veterans service program.

An employee in this class is responsible for directing a program to assist veterans or their dependents in obtaining benefits under federal, state, or local laws. Responsibilities include supervising professional veterans service representatives, establishing goals and program priorities, reviewing reports prepared by subordinates, administering the program budget, making oral presentations to veteran and civic groups, and reviewing legislative developments. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in managing and coordinating a diversified program of services to veterans and their families. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional subordinates engaged in assisting veterans or their dependents. General supervision is received from an administrative superior who holds the incumbent responsible for effective veteran service activities and professional management of assigned responsibilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of subordinate veterans service representatives engaged in assisting veterans or their dependents in obtaining benefits under federal, state, and local laws.

Directs the veterans service program to assure that prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with program goals and objectives.

Attends professional functions and conferences; gives oral presentations to veteran or civic groups; provides technical advise to veterans groups and legislative staffs.

Reviews reports and records of activities to assure accomplishment of goals and objectives; changes policies and procedures or redirects activities, as required.

Prepares budgetary documents and monitors budget expenditures for the veterans service program.

Reviews legislative developments and confers with staff members to explain program changes.

Advises and aids veterans or their dependents in presenting disability, pension, and other claims for benefits under federal, state or local laws.

Reviews legislation regulations and precedents and studies veterans' medical reports and service histories to evaluate and determine claim validity.

Prepares claim forms and briefs, and assembles pertinent evidence.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations concerning benefits for veterans and their dependents.

Thorough knowledge of legislative developments pertaining to veterans affairs.

Considerable knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of records, reports, and forms used in veteran service activities.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents under federal, state, and local laws.

Ability to direct a veterans service program to achieve established goals and objectives.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to keep informed on legislative changes affecting veterans benefits.

Ability to communicate cleary and concisely, verbally, and in writing.

Ability to provide effective advice and assistance to veterans and their dependent concerning rights and benefits.

Ability to evaluate veterans' claims for benefits and determine their validity.

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