Veterans Service Officer

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is recruiting for a Veterans Service Officer 1 located in Elko, Nevada. Veterans Service Officers advise and advocate for veterans and individuals currently serving in the United States armed forces, their dependents and survivors. The position is responsible for researching federal statutes, laws, and regulations pertaining to benefits; interviewing veterans or dependents to prepare for filing claims;

reviewing medical records to obtain evidentiary support for claims; preparing and filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA); advocating on behalf of claimants at claim and appellate procedures; representing veterans at DVA boards and hearings; and performing outreach to inform and assist veterans and the community in obtaining benefits. The position requires maintaining client confidentiality and occasional weekend and holiday work.

• Advocate for individuals and groups eligible under federal and state veterans regulations.
• Interview clients to determine merit of claims and eligibility for benefits.
• Research claims and applicable case law, medical opinions, and related publications.
• Identify, locate, and obtain statements from military, medical, and lay witnesses.
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation such as medical records, military service records, and related evidence.
• Develop strategies for filing Notices of Disagreement and Hearing Requests; calculate monetary benefits; advise clients on the appeal process.
• Prepare written summaries of findings, including legal citations and references to medical research.
• Research, prepare, and present arguments in support of appeals.
• Maintain statistical data relating to claims, awards, and medical information.
• Participate in veterans organizations, committees, and community events.
• Provide information regarding available benefits and eligibility to individuals, groups, and organizations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages and whole numbers to determine monetary benefits.
• General knowledge of: state and federal veteran-related regulations and benefits; medical terminology; human anatomy and physiology; military terminology; research techniques; federal, state, and local social services available to veterans.
• Ability to: compose grammatically correct reports and memoranda; read and comprehend departmental policies, legal documents, medical journals and records; communicate verbally with clients from diverse backgrounds; organize work and set priorities; establish cooperative working relationships; use personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Skill in: speaking publicly to present findings; interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies; interviewing individuals to elicit information.

• Certification as a Resident Veterans Service Officer is required within one year of employment and is a condition of continuing employment.

Dan LaBarbera, d.labarbera.gov

• Health Insurance:
  Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation:
  Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave:
  Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement:
  Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency.
• Deferred Compensation:
  Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
  Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility:
  Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.