Manager of Veterans Advocacy and Assistance

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting. 
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY: 

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Frank DeCusati at frank.decusati@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

In the Department of Veterans Affairs this class is accountable for directing the staff and operations of the Office of Advocacy and Assistance and coordinating activities of the local advocacy offices.

• Directs staff and operations of the Office of Advocacy and Assistance;
• Coordinates, plans and manages implementation of programs and office activities;
• Formulates program goals and objectives;
• Develops and communicates policies and procedures regarding office activities;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
• Evaluates staff;
• Manages office budget;
• Maintains contacts with individuals, other operating units and outside agencies that may impact on program activities;
• Ensures quality veterans aid services through consultation, regulatory oversight and identification and implementation of best practices;
• Coordinates statewide needs assessments;
• Recommends appropriate staff levels;
• Prepares statistical and narrative reports;
• Addresses professional and other interested groups;
• Responds to inquiries from out of state agencies and general public regarding veterans benefit services;
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
  • and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • relevant agency policies and procedures;
  • purposes, plans and objectives of veterans benefit programs;
  • veterans benefits delivery and/or systems;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability
  • to interpret statistical data;
  • in program planning, development, implementation and evaluation.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in veterans benefits issues.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public health, social work or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience developing and implementing programs and projects
• Experience supervising staff in multiple locations including telework staff
• Experience navigating Veterans benefits and services at the state and federal levels of government
• Experience being a liaison for veterans
• Experience navigating Veterans benefit and policy issues

• Incumbents in this class must satisfy one of the following requirements:
  • Served in time of war for at least ninety (90) days unless separated from service earlier because of a service connected disability.
  • Received honorable discharge from or released under honorable conditions from active service in the armed forces as defined in accordance with Section 27-103 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
  • Awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service by the armed forces.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.