Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Allegheny County’s Division of Veterans Affairs is committed to aiding and assisting all County Veterans and their families with obtaining Local, State, and Federal benefits, benefits in which they are entitled, and assist them with the application process. We advocate for veterans and new services and programs for them and their families that would enhance their quality of life. 

The Chief Veterans Affairs Officer, reporting to the Director of Administrative Services, acts as an advocate for veterans by connecting them to appropriate public and private services, including basic needs, economic assistance, healthcare, and educational benefits in Allegheny County, as well as regionally and nationally. This highly specialized ambassador role leads a team of professional staff committed to community-building, achieving positive impacts, and enhancing the quality of life for all in Allegheny County’s veteran community. Responsibilities of the office also include developing claims for benefits that are reviewed and released to the state and federal level decision authorities. 

• Identifies and develops creative methods to ensure that veterans and their families are well informed, efficiently, and respectfully guided, and solidly connected to the vast field of services and opportunities available.
• Establishes a regional system for outreach and support to veterans throughout the County by utilizing strategies to effectively address the increasing needs of the veteran community.
• Promotes innovative networking services for greater access to various benefits including employment, training, housing and entrepreneurship opportunities, and other improvement-based enterprises designed for veterans and their families; identifies best practices used for veteran service delivery and makes appropriate recommendations for implementation.  
• Advocates for a continuum of care for services for veterans related to physical and behavioral healthcare needs.
• Leads the Veterans Affairs team of focused, knowledgeable, and caring resource specialists committed to providing a comprehensive advocacy support center devoted to the veteran community; supervises staff working with veterans and their families to ensure receipt of all appropriate benefits. 
• Oversees the team’s coordinated liaison and outreach efforts with public and private partnerships to improve assistance in the timely linking of needs with available services, and to facilitate sustainable independence among veterans and their families. 
• Actively works to develop and maintain a human and technological infrastructure for the veteran community to gain county, state and nationwide access to benefits, resources, and care through a growing network of service providers and organizations. 
• Prepares annual budget, authorizes payment of public funds for burial benefits of wartime veterans and their spouses and authorizes payments for foundation fees for federal grave markers.
• Serves as County’s primary liaison with veterans’ organizations in regard to housing and homelessness issues; interfaces with Departments of Economic Development and/or Human Services as appropriate to address housing challenges and opportunities.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with appropriate County Departments to support veterans in the areas of healthcare, employment, and veteran-owned business development (i.e., John J. Kane Regional Centers, Human Resources, E & I, etc.)
• Interfaces with the Department of Administrative Services’ Real Estate Division, to guarantee veterans official discharge papers (DD-214) are maintained in a manner which are certified and available; if eligible, advocates for veterans to receive property tax exemptions.
• Collaborates with local educational institutions to create a vehicle to provide educational opportunities veterans that establish linkages to employment for veterans.
• Develops and maintains appropriate relationships with Federal, State and County agencies to ensure that eligible veterans secure pension and other benefits in a timely manner.
• Attends regular meetings at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office and the Veterans Affairs Hospitals.
• Works closely with Allegheny County administrators or their designees, the Adjunct General of Pennsylvania, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and related entities.
• Incumbent may not hold any appointed or elected positions within any veterans group to avoid any perception of conflict of interest between private veterans’ organizations and the County of Allegheny.
• Represents the County Executive as needed.

• Department of Veterans Affairs policies and procedures
• Governmental procedures, state and local laws that affect veterans
• Microsoft Office products
• Budgeting principles and practices 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Effective team-building skills.
• Organizational leadership.
• Strategic planning.

• Expertly lead a team and train staff.
• Multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Represent the County in a professional and courteous manner.