Veterans Services Officer

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Military Affairs & Veteran's Department is actively seeking a Veterans Services Officer.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is professional work in providing assistance to veterans and their dependents or qualified beneficiaries in presenting claims for, applying for, and/or drafting appeals of denials of benefits, social services, or public assistance in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. The work requires a basic understanding and application of theories, principles, and practices of social services usually gained through degree granting schools, or an equivalent level of practical knowledge gained through experience.

Contacts with clients require skills in understanding and influencing people which are important in providing client services. Skills of persuasiveness as well as sensitivity to others' points of view are often required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around. The work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures, and because of the changing priorities or different situations, incumbents have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence.

The work involves differing situations requiring use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications. Work is performed primarily in an office environment though the employee may be required to make field visits to clients in order to provide or ascertain services needed. Employee may be required to work evenings, weekends or holidays in order to attend or participate in outreach programs, special events or public engagements.

Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment such as a personal computer. The physical demands consist mainly of sitting or standing for extended periods of time, occasionally lifting and moving light objects, and visiting veterans who are homebound, in hospitals or in nursing homes. The work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures and well-defined policies, and the worker plans and organizes the work, determines their own priorities and the work is reviewed, usually after the fact, in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and for adherence to established methods, standards and policies.

• Interviews veterans, eligible individuals, representatives and other advocates to assess their needs and provide professional counsel on available services.
• Represents veterans/claimants to determine eligibility of benefits and prepares and submits claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Analyzes claims, researches and corroborates all pertinent data and documentation utilizing independent judgment and entitlement criteria for the appropriate course of action for prosecution/application of complex veterans’ claims.
• Prepares applications for veterans’ benefits, social services, and public assistance and ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Initiates actions to obtain the greatest possible…