Veterans Benefits Supervisor at Oakland County, Michigan Government

Pontiac, Michigan, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

20 Jun, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Staff Supervision, Veterans Benefits Counseling, Case Management, Claims and Appeals Management, Policy Interpretation, Public Outreach, Personnel Administration, Report Writing, Advocacy, Crisis Management, Interpersonal Communication, Word Processing, Spreadsheet Software, Database Management, Budgeting, Regulatory Compliance

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary Location: Pontiac, MI - Job Summary Are you passionate about serving veterans and helping them access the benefits and support they’ve earned? Oakland County is seeking a compassionate and experienced Veterans Benefits Supervisor to lead daily operations within the Veterans’ Services Division while advocating for veterans and their families. In this role, you’ll supervise staff, guide veterans through complex benefits processes, and help ensure individuals receive the services, resources, and support available through federal, state, and local programs. This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for someone who values public service, advocacy, and making a direct impact in the lives of veterans and their dependents. What you'll do: • Supervise and support Veterans’ Counselors, transportation staff, and clerical employees • Train new Veterans’ Benefits Counselors and provide ongoing training for all staff. • Assign and monitor the work of lower level counselors to ensure veterans and/ or their dependents are assisted in accordance with division policies and procedures. • Counsel veterans and dependents on available benefits, services, and eligibility requirements • Prepare, present, and manage veterans’ claims and appeals with federal, state, and local agencies • Research and interpret laws, regulations, and policy changes affecting veterans’ benefits • Represent the Veterans’ Services Division at community meetings, presentations, and public events • Prepare reports and assist with presentations to County leadership and the Board of Commissioners • Coordinate transportation and support services for veterans as needed Why you'll love it: • The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families • A mission-driven leadership role focused on advocacy, service, and community impact • The ability to guide and mentor staff while improving services for veterans • Meaningful interaction with community organizations, veterans groups, and public agencies • A dynamic role combining leadership, advocacy, public outreach, and policy • A stable public sector environment with competitive benefits and rewarding work If you’re dedicated to supporting veterans, leading with compassion, and helping others navigate complex systems with confidence and care, we’d love to hear from you. Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration or closely related field. Have had at least four (4) years of full-time experience as a Veterans' Benefits Counselor. Hold accreditation from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Organization Representative ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS It is desirable that applicants be veterans of the United States Armed Forces and have a discharge under honorable conditions from their last period of service. It is desirable that applicants have had one (1) year of full-time paid experience involving supervising or leading a team. Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local agency laws, rules and regulations regarding the benefits and services available for veterans. Considerable knowledge of local veterans' groups, community agencies, and resources that have programs of assistance available to veterans. Considerable ability to write appeals of negative determinations made by government agencies. Considerable ability to cope with difficult and/or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and objectives. Considerable ability to display tact, emotional stability and patience while dealing with distressed individuals. Considerable ability to apply principles of personnel administration to the selection, placement and supervision of employees and the ability to develop successful in-service training programs. Considerable ability to supervise personnel. Considerable ability to follow complex oral and written instructions. Reasonable ability to understand medical statements. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software. Ability to exercise judgement and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions. Ability to compile statistics, decipher pertinent information and present oral and written financial, operational and other types of departmental reports to officials and other interested groups or individuals. Ability to obtain Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Card from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in order to remotely access VA computer systems and software. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Functions as a supervisor over a group of Veterans' Counselors, Coordinators, Client Transporter and clerical employees. Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks and appraises performance. Participates in decisions to hire, discipline, discharge and award pay increases and/or promotions. Trains new counselors and provides ongoing training for all staff. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Assigns and monitors the work of lower level counselors in a Veterans' Services office to ensure that veterans and/or their families are assisted in accordance with divisional policies and procedures. Acts as an agent for the Soldiers' Relief Commission and authorizes assistance to veterans and/or their dependents in need. Assigns and monitors the work of the Client Transporter to ensure proper operation of the Transportation Program. Adjudicates applications for County Burial and Marker Foundations. Prepares applications for posting and submits for payment. Prepares reports for and assists the Division Manager in presentations to County Executive and Board of Commissioners. Represents the Veterans' Services Division at service organizations meetings, private groups and/or citizens interested in veterans and their needs. Researches federal, state and local laws and regulations as to their effect on benefits veterans are entitled to receive. Advises veterans and their families on the services and benefits available to them through the Veterans' Services Division and/or refers them to the proper outside agencies when applicable. Assists veterans in filing applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, insurance benefits and other available veterans' benefits. Researches, and writes appeals of determinations made by federal, state and local agencies when they adversely effect a client. Corresponds with appropriate agencies in order to secure affidavits, certificates and other required papers to properly submit necessary documentation for clients to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs and other agencies. Uses various software programs to create form letters and documents for divisional use. Transports veterans to V.A. medical centers in the absence of other drivers. Acts as an advocate on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to communicate to accurately convey information. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is carried out in a typical office environment. May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work. IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. Additional Minimum Qualifications Union* BU90 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Economic Dev Supv (UAW) *If applicable EEO Statement We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Inclusion Statement Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD. At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team. Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of the Veterans' Services Division by supervising staff and guiding veterans through complex benefits processes. Advocate for veterans and their families by managing claims, appeals, and coordinating support services through federal, state, and local programs.