Idva-Field Veterans Service Officer; Jefferson

Job Requisition : 53332
Closing Date: 02/24/2026
Agency: Department of Veterans' Affairs
Class

Title:

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER - 47800
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: $4,954 - $6,894/Monthly; CBA language applies;
Anticipated starting salary $4,954/monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Jefferson
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC028 Paraprofessional Human Services Employees, AFSCME

Note: This position is a union position; the provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Application Instructions: All applicants who want to be considered for this position must apply electronically through the Illinois Jobs2

Web website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the Success Factors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois supports values of compassion, equity, and dedication. We offer flexible jobs with robust benefits and opportunities for career growth, retirement packages, and long-term security.

• Acts as Service Officer for the Field Services Division within the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs, managing the operation of a field office with emphasis on claims and origination of appeals.
• Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses, and dependents regarding applicable benefits.
• Serves as liaison with county, state, and federal agencies to establish veterans entitlements to benefits, resources, and services.
• Represents the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs at community events, explaining the department's functions.
• Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans' Service Officers.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope listed above.

• Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college with emphasis in business administration or public administration.
• Requires an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States and eligibility under time-of-hostilities provisions, with one or more of the following conditions: at least 6 months of service; service during hostilities; discharge for hardship; or service-connected disability with honorable discharge.
• One year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work, or other work involving extensive public contact.

• Extensive knowledge of the department's veterans' programs, policies, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of benefits and services for veterans and the applicable laws and regulations.
• Office management skills and techniques; experience managing an office providing services to veterans and maintaining records.
• Experience establishing working relationships with staff, veterans, dependents, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Experience preparing and presenting topical speeches to veterans groups.
• Experience explaining federal and state veterans legislation to the public.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting service records and other documents to determine entitlement to benefits.
• Experience explaining complex decisions affecting claims and advising clients on responsibilities related to benefit awards.
• Experience making informed decisions in accordance with veterans benefits laws and communicating results clearly in writing and/or orally.

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related policies and guidance.
• Ability to obtain Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) certification and maintain training throughout employment.
• Accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs within probationary period; failure to achieve accreditation may result in termination. Accreditation is achieved through State of Illinois VA training and certification with a minimum score of 70%, and re-accreditation every 5 years.
• Ability to travel with overnight stays as appropriate; valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on…