Veterans Service Officer

Seeking accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for this position. If you are accredited, provide your Office of General Counsel (OGC) accreditation number. If you are not accredited, please submit your application and it will be considered. Provide copies of DD-214, direct family member DD-214, and your certifications. We are seeking someone to fill a full time (40 hour) position. The employee must be a qualified veteran, spouse of a veteran or a veteran’s dependent.

A veteran is defined as any person who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days, or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty or be the dependent of an honorably discharged veteran.

• Under the supervision of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Senior VSO, the VSO will advocate for veterans and their immediate families or survivors to ensure receipt of benefits available from the US Department of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to, Service Disability Claims, VA Pension Claims, Survivor Claims, Education Benefits, employment training, and Healthcare.
• The VSO advises and provides technical assistance for the filing of claims under Title 38 United States Code and 38 Code of Federal Regulations as well as county and state benefits, where applicable.
• Interviews, counsels, and assists in obtaining benefits for veterans, dependents, widows and orphans of war or peacetime veterans, as well as retired and active-duty military personnel and their dependents.
• Has a thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations. Develops working relationships with applicable federal, state and county departments and agencies. Performs research and investigation of the prior claim decisions made by the agency of primary responsibility and reviews the findings and decisions for possible appeal.
• May maintain benefit projections of county recipients of federal and state veterans’ programs and estimate annual receipts into the county from all federal and state agencies in relation to veterans’ programs. Maintains a working relationship with veterans’ organizations (at county, district, and state levels), staff, volunteers, and news media; provides information regarding department (federal and state) programs and services and performs field informational and claim visits to clients.
• Requires considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, resource management, compassion, empathy, and public speaking ability to address veterans advocate groups and the media concerning current rules, regulations, changes, and trends in the veterans’ benefit domain.
• Advocate for veterans and their immediate families or survivors with Local, State, and other Federal assistance including but not limited to;
  Veterans Financial Assistance, Military Service Organization Assistance, Utilities Assistance Programs, Homeowner Assistance Programs, Homeless Assistance Programs, Family Medical Assistance Programs, Social Security, and other non-veteran specific programs based on the needs of the veteran and the family.
• Administers the ‘VA claims flow’ and monitor actions taken by subordinate VSO’s to ensure the timeliness of evidence submitted and tracking of active claims.

• Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation or pension.
• Research medical conditions, obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians, military buddies, family members or other sources to support the claim or appeal.
• File application for veterans for education under the GI Bill, or vocational rehabilitation.
• Assist survivors of a deceased veteran and funeral homes in obtaining death benefits.
• Advise and assist veterans with government life insurance or home loan benefits.
• Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
• Keep in contact with veterans concerning the status of individual claims.
• Work with VA professionals in obtaining public health services, home health care, home adaptation grant, or placement in local nursing…