State of Maryland

A Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisor is the supervisory level of work in the provision of State, federal and local services to veterans and their dependents.  Employees in this classification supervise lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Veteran Benefits Manager or higher-level administrator.  Employees in this classification may be assigned to a regional office or a central office.  The work may require travel throughout the State.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisor differs from the Veteran Benefits Specialist Advanced in that the Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists while the Veteran Benefits Specialist Advanced is an expert in the field of veterans benefits, and is responsible for complex cases and provides guidance and assistance to lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists concerning the appeal process.  The Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisor differs from that of a Veteran Benefits Manager in that the Veteran Benefits Manager has responsibility for the Maryland Veterans Service Program and supervisory responsibility for Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisors.

Supervises, plans, coordinates, assigns and evaluates the work of and trains lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists for completeness, accuracy and compliance with State, federal and local veterans’ benefit laws, rules and regulations;

Interprets and explains State, federal and local veterans’ benefit policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations to lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists;

Develops, implements and monitors training for lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists;

Participates in the interview and selection process for hiring new employees;

Gives testimony at appeal hearings before the local Veterans Board of Appeals;

Prepares and presents a variety of materials, such as pamphlets, booklets, media presentations, exhibits and public speeches to promote and publicize veterans’ benefits and services;

Prepares and processes applications for tax relief, automobile registration, scholarships and other benefits and services offered to veterans and their dependents;

May direct the activities of a small regional office or several regional offices;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of methods and techniques for compiling, analyzing and organizing data and information;

Knowledge of State, federal and local laws, rules and regulations concerning benefits, privileges, and obligations to veterans and their families;

Skill in reviewing and clarifying personal and medical data;

Skill in the use of computer applications;

Skill in the use of communication and interviewing techniques;

Skill in preparing clear, accurate and detailed comprehensive reports;

Skill in understanding, interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures in order to make determinations and resolve problems;

Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists and other subordinate positions;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff members, other agencies and institutions and the general public;

Ability to maintain routine and confidential logs, files and other records.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of experience providing services to veterans and their dependents.

1. In accordance with the United States Code, Title 38, Section 5901-5905, employees in this classification must be certified as a Veteran’s Service Counselor by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicles operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.