Veterans Service Officer - Program Specialist - Part Time

This is an outstanding opportunity for a mission-driven professional to play a vital role in supporting veterans, service members, and their families by ensuring access to the benefits they have earned through service. Serving as a trusted advocate and liaison, this position directly impacts the quality of life for veterans by guiding them through complex federal, state, and local Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit systems.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of public service, advocacy, and community partnership—collaborating with nonprofit organizations such as DAV, VFW, and the American Legion, as well as government entities. This position offers a meaningful career path for individuals passionate about service, social impact, and navigating complex regulatory systems while making a lasting difference in the veteran community.

You will join a role that blends hands‑on client interaction with technical expertise and advocacy, offering both professional growth and the opportunity to serve as a critical resource for veterans and their families across the community.

• Educate and guide veterans and their families on available federal, state, and local benefits, including healthcare, education, housing, employment, pensions, disability compensation, and burial benefits.
• Lead claims assistance efforts by preparing, filing, monitoring, and tracking disability, pension, and survivor benefit claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Gather and analyze evidence by collecting medical records, service documentation, and supporting materials required to substantiate claims.
• Advocate on behalf of veterans by serving as a county liaison to the VA and representing clients throughout the claims and benefits process.
• Navigate appeals processes by assisting veterans with denied claims and preparing documentation for appeals submissions.
• Connect veterans to resources by linking individuals to community‑based services, nonprofit organizations, job fairs, and support programs.
• Conduct client interviews with veterans and family members to gather detailed information necessary for claims development and benefit eligibility.
• Prepare and process claims by drafting and submitting benefits applications and disability rating claims in compliance with VA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, standards, and applicable regulations while performing additional duties as assigned.

Professional and Education Credentials: Associate's degree in social service, human services, or closely related field AND two years of experience working with Veterans to gather evidence and information in processing claims. Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.

Communication/Interpersonal

Skills:

• Strong Interviewing
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to conduct compassionate, thorough interviews with veterans and family members to accurately gather sensitive personal, medical, and service-related information.
• Clear Written Communication: Capable of drafting concise, accurate claim narratives, correspondence, and supporting statements for submission to the VA.
• Advocacy and Trust-Building: Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and cultural competence when working with veterans from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust during often complex and emotional processes.

• Knowledge of VA Systems and Regulations: Working understanding of VA disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, survivor benefits, and burial benefits is essential to ensure accurate guidance and claim preparation.
• Experience with Electronic Claims Systems and Records Management: Ability to navigate VA portals, track, and maintain confidential records in compliance with privacy laws (HIPAA, VA standards).

• Military Service or Veteran Affiliation: Firsthand understanding of military culture enhances rapport and credibility when assisting veterans and service members.
• Knowledge of Community…