Veteran Service Officer

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

Primary function of the job is to provide information, assistance, advice, and guidance to individuals seeking Veterans benefits through Federal, state, and local government. Interviews and advises clients, research claims and conditions, determines accuracy of information and eligibility status, and provides referral services. Acts as an advocate for clients. Employees work as part of a team.

Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to successfully perform all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position may require irregular hours. This position may also require travel by the employee in his/her own vehicle.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)
Conducts community outreach on behalf of the Veterans Services Office.

Drives and sets up the Mobile Service Office at community events to represent the Veterans Services Office.

The Veterans Service Officer acts as an advocate and represents veterans of the United States Armed Forces, their dependents, and survivors in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under the laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA); represents claimants as federally authorized representative to file claims and actions on behalf of veterans, their survivors, and dependents to ensure they receive the maximum entitlement of benefits.

Manages caseload.

Interviews, counsels, and provides technical assistance to Veterans, dependents, and survivors in filing their applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, home eligibility, financial relief applications, and other available Veterans benefits.

Assists Veterans and their dependents in completing and filing applications for claims and benefit entitlements such as hospitalization, pension, burial, and loans. Gathers evidence and supporting documentation necessary to process applications.

Researches, interprets, and applies the federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to Veterans benefits. Determines the effects of laws and regulations on benefits which Veterans, dependents, and survivors may be entitled.

Checks and certifies each case to ensure all necessary documentation and criteria have been met.

Assists clients and their families in filing their applications for services and benefits and acts as liaison between the client/family and outside agencies.

Establishes medical aspects of a claim by evaluating medical reports, laboratory findings, medical opinions, medical journals, and related medical research publications; monitors progress of claims and keeps client informed of the status of claims

Represents claimants as an advocate in local hearings at the Department of Veteran Affairs as to the status of claims, clarification of requests, and further development of claims.

Reviews and evaluates documentation such as military service records, medical reports, and income and estate values to determine individual and family qualifications for claims and benefits.

Researches, develops, and writes appeals of Department of Veteran…