Located in the Hudson Valley region of New York, Ulster County is a short drive to both New York City and Albany. It is geographically the size of Rhode Island with approximately 188,000 residents. The county seat is Kingston, which was the first capitol of New York. Ulster County is also the home of Woodstock, NY which has a vibrant art and music community. Locals enjoy the many breweries and cider houses as well the many hiking trails and other outdoor activities such as farmer’s markets and craft fairs.

The County currently employs approximately 1300 full time employees, and has a 2019 budget of approximately $330 million dollars.

The work involves responsibility for the administration of the Veterans Service Agency and may include performing some or all the duties of a Veterans Benefits Representative (which may also be referred to as a Veteran Service Officer or VSO).  Work is carried out in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and involves directing the activities of veteran services programs for the county.  The work is performed under general supervision in accordance with policies established by the County Executive and County Legislature. Does related work as required. Examples of responsibility include:

Oversees and manages Department staff and delegates work as needed to the Deputy Director, Veteran’s Service Agency and other staff;

Oversees and manages all affairs of the County Veteran Cemetery and County veteran burial programs;

Develops Department budget and ensures Department revenue and expenditures are managed within budget authority;

Develops and submits capital projects as needed to support the Department mission;

Ensures Department employees are properly trained and manages performance to standards and goals;

Oversees the preparation and processing of claims, applications and appeals for compensation, pension, medical services and other veterans’ benefits;

Oversees the preparation and processing of filings for the Discharge Review Board (DRB) and Board of Correction of Military Records (BCMR);

Communicates and collaborates with community organizations and other government entities in support of the Department mission;

Develops communication techniques to enhance veteran and public awareness of programs;

Prepares annual report for the County Executive on veteran services;

Attends meetings as needed with other County departments and as directed by the County Executive;

Provides subject matter guidance to staff Veterans Benefits Representatives (VSO’s) as needed;

May perform the duties of a Veterans Benefits Representative (VSO);

May be responsible for the logistics and ordering for the annual ‘Stand Down’ awareness event;

Performs a variety of other administrative duties.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

A.    Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree, and three (3) years of responsible experience in supportive services and/or organizational leadership; OR

B.     Graduation from a regionally accredited of New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree, and five (5) years of responsible experience in supportive services and/or organizational leadership; OR

C.    An equivalent combination of training and experience as described in A and B above.

Special Requirement: A candidate to this title must be a veteran as defined by 38 U.S. Code § 101, sections (2), (21), (22), (24) and (27). 38 U.S Code §101, section (2) defines a veteran as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions.

For purposes of appointment to this title, an individual must become accredited by a US Department of Veterans Affairs recognized Veterans Service Organization (which, for Ulster County is the American Legion).  The incumbent in the position must be eligible to gain membership (as defined in the Charter of the American Legion National Constitution and By-laws § 21703) in order to qualify for and maintain VSO accreditation; must achieve such accreditation within one (1) year of appointment, remain a member in good standing, and otherwise meet the qualifications in Federal 38 CFR §14.629. 

Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice System or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.

ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ALL CIVIL SERVICE LAW, RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLY.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.