Municipal Veterans Representative

Nature of Work:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Human Services and in coordination with the Veterans Advisory Committee, the Municipal Veterans Representative serves as Manchester’s central advocate and liaison for military veterans, active service members, and eligible dependents. In compliance with C.G.S. Sec. 27-135, this role delivers direct benefits counseling, assists in navigating federal and Connecticut state veterans’ programs, coordinates municipal and community service referrals, and maintains statutory service records.

Essential Job Functions:

• Benefits Navigation & Advocacy: Guide veterans and dependents through federal VA benefits (healthcare, disability compensation, pensions, GI Bill, burial) and Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) programs (property tax exemptions, wartime service medals, Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund). Assist clients with VA.gov, ID.me, Login.gov, and obtaining service records via NPRC and DoD milConnect. Advocates on behalf of veterans and their families and communicates service gaps to local leadership and the Veterans Affairs Committee.
• Resource Linkage & Community Outreach: Connect clients with Manchester social services (food, fuel, housing navigation, mental health), 211 CT, VA Connecticut Healthcare/HUD-VASH, and accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV). Conduct targeted outreach to homebound veterans, convalescent facilities, and community forums. Serve as departmental representative on community veterans committees.
• Casework & Communication: Conduct intake needs assessments, verify military discharge documentation (DD-214), and accurately record cases, referrals, and outcomes in the Town's case management database. Actively manage the position's designated email and voicemail with timely written follow-ups.
• Reporting: Compile and submit required monthly service metrics to the Director of Human Services and the Veterans Advisory Committee.
• Crisis Intervention: Recognize veterans experiencing acute distress and execute immediate, coordinated warm handoffs to the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1).

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Incumbents for this position must satisfy one of the following requirements: Be an honorably discharged veteran, with proof, OR demonstrate documented practical experience handling veterans' issues and services.
• Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Strong computer proficiency required; daily operations involve multi-system database entry, online benefit applications, email coordination, and record tracking.
• Interpersonal & Case Skills: Demonstrated ability to interview clients compassionately, interpret complex federal/state regulations, manage confidential information under strict privacy standards, and work autonomously.
• Licensure & Availability: Valid motor vehicle operator's license and reliable personal transportation for local travel. Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend community outreach events.

Minimum Training & Experience:

• Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree or higher in human services, social work, public administration, or related discipline; 1+ years’ experience in benefits navigation or military administrative/transition services; bilingual proficiency (Spanish) is an asset.
• Mandatory State Training (Annual): Must attend the annual veterans benefits training administered by the CT Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Office of Advocacy and Assistance, as required by C.G.S. Sec. 27-135(b)(2)(B).
• Mandatory Federal Accreditation (Town-Funded): Must hold certification OR, upon employment, must be able to complete the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) Basic Benefits Course and pass the requisite examination to obtain formal claims accreditation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel.**Prior to official accreditation, the representative conducts intake, resource navigation, and submits referrals to accredited representatives for claims processing. Following accreditation, the representative will prepare, submit, and represent formal claims and appeals directly.

Company Description

The Town of Manchester is a vibrant and diverse community with an array of public services that reflect a set of values shared by its residents and leaders committed to bringing Manchester into the 21st century as an up-and-coming community that cares about its residents, its children, its schools and parks, its roads and utilities, and the health and safety of the Manchester Community.

Town of Manchester’s employees are essential to the town’s ability to provide quality services to the community. It is our goal to attract a diverse, and well-qualified workforce that are representative of our residents to bring their experience and expertise to join our team.

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