PORTLAND — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is seeking a veteran to fill a key role in her Portland office. Pingree's office was selected to be part of the Congressional Wounded Warrior Program, which provides two-year, paid, full-time fellowships for veterans who have served at some point since 9/11 and have a minimum 30 percent service-connected disability.

The veteran will be responsible for constituent services and outreach to the veteran community.

Pingree said in a news release: "This is a great opportunity for a veteran to become an important part of our office. I know whoever we bring on board through the Wounded Warrior program will be a huge asset to our office and to the community. This new staff person will be helping their fellow veterans here in Maine navigate the VA and other government agencies and will help me stay in touch with veterans groups and issues around the state. I'm honored that the Wounded Warrior Program has chosen to award our office this fellowship."

All applications are processed through the chief administrator of the U.S. House of Representatives, and interested veterans should visit www.cao.house.gov for more information.

Submit a resume, a copy of the last DD214 issued (page 4) and a letter from the VA indicating a 30 percent or greater rating (not necessary if medically retired) to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.

A job description is below.

Job Title: Veterans Constituent Services and Field Representative

Member: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

Office Location: Portland, Maine

Date Needed: Open Until Filled

Job Summary and Responsibilities:

This Constituent Services and Field Representative for Congresswoman Pingree will be located in the District Congressional Office in Portland to include support to DoD and VA Congressional Aides in Washington.

Primary responsibilities include representing the Member within his/her area of responsibility, including:

Answering casework correspondence in writing or by phone;

Managing DoD and VA casework assignments, including screening, referrals, and ongoing support;

Helping constituents interact with administrative and government agencies by acting as facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies;

Meeting with constituents, VA and DoD staff, and community leaders, and acting as a liaison between the Congresswoman's office and District VSOs; representing the Member at military and veteran events, where appropriate;

Informing the Member of opportunities, concerns, and systemic problems that may require her involvement;

Proactively generating ideas for Member outreach, including meetings, notes, calls, site visits, and events;

Informing press staff of media opportunities related to DoD and VA issues;

Assisting congressional staff in Washington with policy and appropriations priorities related to the DoD and VA.

Job Requirements and Skills:

The Veterans Constituent Services and Field Representative will be required to:

Communicate clearly with constituents about what can and cannot be done on their behalf by a Member of Congress;

Learn the laws, regulations, and intricacies affecting a constituent's case as well as the procedures and structure of Congresswoman Pingree's District Office regarding casework and employee obligations (as outlined in the Office Handbook and the House of Representatives' Ethics Manual);

Write effective inquiries for and responses to constituent concerns;

Travel within the District on behalf of, and in some cases, with the congresswoman;

Travel to Washington, DC, on a limited basis as required;

Maintain positive relationships with VSOs, VARO, and Vet Center staff in the district;

Perform special projects as assigned;

Application Requirements:

This program is open toveterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, with less than 20 years of service and a minimum 30 percent disability rating from the VA.

Additional considerations include:

Required high school degree, with some college coursework preferred and military professional education highly encouraged;

Experience with and understanding of the U.S. Military and Department of Veterans' Affairs structure, procedures, and policies;

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;

Service-orientation, positive attitude, and strong teamwork ability;

Driver's license and private vehicle;

Flexibility with hours, to include some evenings and weekends.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and Congressional office pay structure

Contact: Interested veterans should visit www.cao.house.gov for more information.

Submit a resume, a copy of the last DD214 issued (page 4) and a letter from the VA indicating a 30 percent or greater rating (not necessary if medically retired) to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.

Do not send resumes directly to the office of Congresswoman Pingree.