Veterans' Service Officer

1 Full-time 37.50 hours per week position.

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, Weekends, and Veterans Holidays.

Position is responsible for assisting the Department head in performing administrative and social welfare work to assist veterans and their families.

• Administers MGL Chapter 115 benefits for veterans and Veterans’ Administration claims; assists veterans in completing necessary forms and in acquiring documentation; processes applications for benefits.
• Participates in the administration of pensions, compensation, hospitalization, outpatient treatment education, burial and other benefits available to veterans and their dependents.
• Performs ongoing case management, including counseling, information and referrals where needed.
• Organizes and coordinates with veterans’ organizations to plan community outreach events and events commemorating Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.
• Works with veterans on community projects to find housing, furniture, food, transportation and other needs.
• Participates in trainings and conferences; gives presentations on benefits for veterans and their dependents.
• Communicates with social service agencies, state agencies and representatives of other governmental bodies, civic groups and City departments concerning services and resources for veterans.
• Prepares and submits reports to account for funds; reports to state agencies to request reimbursements; ensures that applications and reports comply with state regulations; keeps accurate records of expenses and account balances.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

Under general supervision. The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions.

The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and in some cases may require additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines.

The employee has regular access at the departmental level to a variety of sensitive and confidential information.

High School degree, including or supplemented by courses in human services and business administration and from one to two years of experience in human services, social work or public administration, or any equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Must be an honorably discharged veteran with at least two years of military service. Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License required.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of federal and state veterans’ benefits, programs and services. Knowledge of methods and principles of veterans’ benefits assistance, case work, administration and available resources. Knowledge of accounting; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; knowledge of software used for veterans’ benefits.

Abilities:
Ability to coordinate events and programs for veterans. Ability to treat individuals with dignity, fairness, sensitivity and compassion.

Skills:

Skilled at establishing effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, other agencies and the general public.

The work is performed in an office environment.

The work involves physical skills typical of an office environment, including sitting, standing, walking and stooping. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

The work may require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Essential position functions require ability to review documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, ability to view a computer monitor, and ability to drive a car.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~