Veteran Service Officer

Job Description

CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

DEPARTMENT: Department of Veterans’ Affairs

HIRING AUTHORITY:  Chief Veteran Service Officer

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:  Just cause subject to probationary period

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME:  Full-time position (37.5 hours per week).  The starting time for this position is currently 8:30 a.m.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direction, advises and assists veterans, their dependents and/or survivors in obtaining educational, financial, and social services and other benefits available through federal, state and/or local laws; reviews legislation, regulations, precedents, medical reports and service history to determine validity of claims; submits claims to appropriate agencies or organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advises veterans, their dependents and/or survivors in obtaining educational, financial, and social services and other benefits.

Refers veterans, their dependents and/or survivors to various agencies for further assistance.

Assists veterans, their dependents and/or survivors in the completion of applications for pensions, compensation, dental and medical care, burial allowances, insurance benefits and other necessary forms and applications.

Interviews veterans, their dependents and/or survivors to determine eligibility for benefits and services.

Reviews legislation, regulation precedents, medical reports and service history to determine the validity of claims.

Contacts various agencies to obtain additional information, forms, documents and other required papers to properly submit claims.

Participates in civic functions to inform the public of services rendered and rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents.

Makes presentations to various veteran and community organizations about veterans’ needs as well as benefits and services available.

Maintains and updates records, case files and other materials for review and referral.

Maintains current knowledge through accreditation and continuous education regarding the changes in regulations and legislation in order to properly advise veterans and their dependents regarding benefits and services available.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience counseling veterans on veterans’ programs and benefits
• Must be a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and have been discharged under honorable conditions from the last period of service

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field

Required Licenses or Certifications

• A valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel while performing assigned duties

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local agency laws, rules and regulations governing the benefits and services available to veterans
• Local veterans’ groups, community agencies and resources

Skill in:

• Public speaking
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios

Ability to:

• Understand the problems and needs of veterans and willingness to represent their interests
• Make decisions in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and established policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, governmental agencies and the general public
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information
• Work independently

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by these statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 411 (AFSCME) bargaining unit represents this position.  Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.

To apply:

To apply, please submit your application online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/macomb/jobs/3814949/veteran-service-officer?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs