Veterans Service Officer

Advises, assists and provides technical assistance to veterans or their dependents in presenting and filing service-connected pension or disability insurance claims for benefits under Title 38 USC and 38 CFR, as well as state and local benefits. Works with veterans and their families to obtain financial assistance according to policies of the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission. Initiates payments for approved financial assistance applications.

Refers clients to other agencies appropriate to needs of veteran. Performs and attends outreach activities as assigned with varied work hours. Performs various administrative and other duties as assigned by the Executive and management team.

Employees are expected to perform essential duties to performance standards. As needed, reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified employees with disabilities that are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in so far as the accommodation does not create an undue hardship on the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission.

Interviews, counsels, advises and assists Veterans and dependents in obtaining Veterans Administration (VA), state, and local benefits. Reviews veterans’ service and medical service treatment histories. Provides information and advises clients regarding benefits to which they may be entitled and eligibility requirements.

Prepares claims for VA disability benefits. Identifies and assists veterans in assembling pertinent evidence and supporting documentation, reviews medical reports and statements, and prepares applicable forms.

Files claims on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Types and prepares relevant forms and writes briefs to explain to the VA what type of service connection for which the claim is filed. Tracks status and progress of claims as it proceeds through the approval process.

Reviews VA findings and decisions for potential appeal and files appeals when applicable. Determines if findings were accurate and in accordance with applicable laws and policies. If warranted, explains appeal options and requirements.

Maintains local and computer files on all clients who’ve been assisted in filing claims with the VA. Updates client files and sends files to the Department of Veteran Affairs as required.

Makes referrals to community social service agencies as appropriate to meet client needs.

Conducts and/or participates in outreach events, meetings, and training. Develops and maintains professional relationships to encourage outreach to inform the community, veterans and dependents. Maintains relationships with POA representatives such as DAV, VFW, and others.

Maintains telephone and e‑mail contact with Veterans Administration regarding benefits and other matters.

Schedules appointments with clients.

Maintains continuing education requirements to maintain eligibility to perform County and/or National Veteran Service Officer responsibilities through the Ohio Department of Veteran Service Officers, AMVETS, VFW, DAV, American Legion, and other organizations.

Completes all necessary veteran financial application information, obtains supporting documentation and conducts thorough investigations of information provided to determine eligibility for financial assistance and demonstrated need. Verifies housing costs and utility costs, reviews income and expense information, bank activity and client file history. Makes recommendations based on Commission policy regarding approval or denial of the financial request. Processes financial applications after approval or denial by management in accordance with policies of the Montgomery County Auditor.

Maintains confidentiality of all client information.

Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Commission’s policy, procedures and contracts as applicable, and in compliance with Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

Maintains the highest level of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of job performance.

Keeps abreast of current trends and practices in the field. Attends and participates in required trainings on topics relevant to the job.

Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual…