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John J. Logan Jr., Director
Penny E. Gordon, Administrative Assistant
Director of Veteran's Services and Board Members Appointed by Selectmen
The Dover Veterans Services office is located in the Needham
Town Hall Room 23
1471 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA 02492-2669
Telephone: (781) 455-7532
Fax: (781) 449-4569
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Want to know more about Dover's Veterans?
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Public welfare and social work in managing the local Department
of Veteran's Services while directing, managing and providing services
and benefits to veterans and their dependents; administrative function
and all other related work as required and authorized by the Massachusetts
Commissioner of Veterans' Services.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Works independently and in accordance with Massachusetts General
Laws (MGL), Chapters 115 and 471, Acts of 1972 and 108 CMR. Performs
only those duties assigned and/or authorized by the Commissioner
of Veterans Services. Reports to the Massachusetts Commissioner
of Veterans' Services and to the Mayor, Town Administrator, or Chairman
of the Board of Selectmen, or their designee, following and subject
to appointment by the Mayor or Board of Selectmen, in accordance
with MGL 115: Sections 3, 10 and 14; 108 CMR; rules and Regulations
of the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs and applicable
Massachusetts and Federal Laws
Prepares and submits appeal cases for veterans and their dependents
and appears before the Board of Veterans' Appeals on their behalf.
Performs varied and responsible duties requiring considerable judgment
in disbursing and administering a program of cash benefits, medical
care, and all other assistance services to eligible veterans and
their dependents. Acts as liaison between State and U.S. representatives
on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Where applicable, advocates
change in State and Federal laws to benefit veterans. (Errors in
judgment could result in financial hardship, confusion and reduced
standard of living to the local eligible veterans and their dependents).
Essential Functions:
Manages and participates in the administration of various veteran's
benefits available to eligible veterans and their dependents from
the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services and the U.S.
Veterans Administration to include employment; service and non-service
connected pensions; disability compensation; hospitalization; long-term
care; outpatient treatment; vocational rehabilitation; education
and other State and Federal benefits available under State and Federal
Laws.
In accordance with 108 CMR, prepares and processes applications
for veteran's ordinary benefits; prepares and processes medical
budgets; directs and conducts periodic investigations of claimants
for continuation of benefits; places property liens where appropriate;
researches and recoups payments.
Prepares and submits timely to the Department of Veterans Services
proper documentation required for reimbursement of benefits paid
out by the appointing municipality.
Investigates and personally visits local recipients of pensions,
awards, annuities, and financial aid to determine their continued
eligibility to receive them.
Briefs veterans by providing informational material and advice
concerning assistance and benefit opportunities completes necessary
applications and other forms and acquires documentation needed to
prove eligibility. Prepares monthly and quarterly reports to account
for funds; reports to appropriate State agencies to acquire reimbursements;
prepares and manages departmental budget; maintains accurate records
of expenses and account balances; compiles and submits departmental
Annual Report to local authorities and to the Commissioner of Veteran's
Services.
Acts as Power of Attorney for veterans in researching and processing
cases to the Rating Review Board, Department of Veterans' Services.
Maintains secured files in private office for veterans' service
records and discharge papers as required by Section 115, Section
3.
Attends seminars and training programs conducted by the Department
of Veterans' Services, the Massachusetts Veterans Services Agents
Association, and others so authorized, to maintain proficiency and
to keep abreast of changes in law regulations and procedures.
Serves as liaison to local Veterans' organizations (e.g. American
Legion, VFW, etc.) and insofar as possible is an active participant
in their organizations' activities.
Prepares and presents briefings to government officials or agencies,
veterans organizations or public gatherings.
Special Requirements:
Work usually performed in a private office under typical office
conditions; visits to housebound veterans and those confined to
hospitals or nursing homes.
Required to maintain a high degree of confidentiality in case management
(Privacy Act of 1974) and in office privacy.
Must be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States having
served at least one day during wartime and conform to requirements
of MGL Ch. 115; Ch. 471, Acts of 1972; Ch. 4 S7; CL 43rd.
Knowledge. Must develop a thorough knowledge of State and
Federal laws pertaining to veterans and their dependents; methods
and principles of veterans' benefits assistance; casework and administration;
resources of other local, State and Federal agencies. Working knowledge
of medical terminology and drugs. Interpret and properly apply medical
procedures codes used in the Massachusetts Health Care Finance Policy
(Rate Setting Commission).
Ability. Able to establish effective working relationships
with applicants; recipients; local, state, and U.S. legislators;
other government agencies; veterans' organizations; and the general
public. Prepare requests for reimbursement; present briefings; administer
departmental budget; provide annual departmental activities report
to local authorities and to the Commissioner of Veterans' Services;
preserve confidential information; work with local, state and federal
service providers.
Skill. qualified to prepare specialized documentation and
to manage an administrative workload associated with extensive responsibilities
including the development of outreach programs and the operation
of pertinent computer programs.
Physical Requirements. Minimal physical effort generally
required for work performed in the office. Ability to speak clearly
and hear well when interviewing clients. Physical ability to visit
homes and facilities that may not be handicapped accessible. Light
physical effort occasionally required in the performance of outdoor
events and grave maintenance duties. Occasionally will be required
to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
Jim McGill, Veterans' Grave Officer
Serves as burial officer for indigent veterans and their dependents.
Coordinates with undertakers to ensure dignified burial of veterans
and their dependents.
If a resident of the community, serves as Veterans' Graves Officer
in ensuring all veterans' graves are suitably kept and cared for.
Ensures sunken gravestones are repaired and replaced or other similar
services that may be necessary to restore and maintain such graves
and their surroundings in an orderly condition. Procures and arranges
placement of burial markers; maintains a current listing of deceased
veterans and their burial sites. On each Memorial Day, ensures a
flag of the United States is placed on each veteran's grave in local
cemeteries.
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