VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

POSITION SUMMARY

CMS Recruitment and Retention is looking for a self-motivated and energetic leader to fill the position of Veterans Outreach Program Specialist. This position performs the day to day functions of the Veterans Outreach Program and guides the program's direction and progress. A successful VOP Specialist will be able to network with various internal and external veteran interest groups, develop and execute a program outreach plan, and maintain the program's career counseling and veterans preference allocation workload. The ideal candidate is seeking a dynamic and high visibility leadership position, with the ability to travel to veteran outreach events and present on behalf of the program. We invite all dynamic leaders interested in meaningful work for the veteran community to apply!

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the general direction of the Statewide Programs Manager, serves as the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) Specialist.
• Counsels veteran applicants for state employment using various methods and technology including, but not limited to via phone, chat, email, in-person and/or virtually.
• Leads various recruitment activities such as Veteran’s Outreach job fairs and workshops, as well as participates in Minority Outreach workshops, Community job fairs, University and College recruitments using various methods and technology including, but not limited to via phone, chat, email, in-person and/or virtually.
• Reviews municipal, state, and federal guidelines and regulations regarding veteran programs and any impacts to VOP guidelines, processes, or procedures.
• Serves as a working supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Of the two (2) years noted above:

• Requires professional experience working in compliance with Veteran’s Outreach Program (VOP) policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines regarding eligibility, enrollment, career goals, the appeals process, and VOP forms.
• Requires professional experience referencing and working with military personnel records.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefers working knowledge of the personnel codes, rules, position classification plans, pay plans, collective bargaining contracts, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Civil Rights Act, guidelines derived there from, and other related human resources policies and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of the issues impacting the employment of veterans and persons with disabilities, the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, and/or other programs targeted to hiring veterans in Illinois.
• Prefers two (2) years’ professional experience obtaining relevant information from individuals with respect to their education and experience qualifications.
• Prefers two (2) years’ professional experience communicating in a professional manner verbally, in writing, and by using word processing or email software such as Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Prefers two (2) years’ professional experience developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and the public, especially relationships with persons with disabilities.
• Prefers three (3) years’ professional experience developing customer service and public speaking skills.
• Prefers two (2) years’ professional experience with talent acquisition, recruitment, and/or outreach events.
• Prefers two (2) years’ professional experience working in compliance with Veteran’s Outreach policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience referencing and working with military personnel records.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

ABOUT THE AGENCY

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State’s more than 60 agencies, universities, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable service to all Illinois citizens. The Agency’s mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves. Among the services CMS provides are human resources facilitation; benefits programs for employees, retirees, and local governments; property and facilities management; diversity initiatives for public contracting and State employment; joint purchasing support; vehicle oversight and support; surplus property programs; print and electronic communications services; and administrative hearings coordination.

CMS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. CMS offers a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time and hybrid)
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 Weeks Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn 12 paid sick days annually; paid vacation days (10-25 days based on years of service annually); paid personal days (3 days annually)
• Paid State holidays 13-14 days annually

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!