Veterans Services Officer

Description

General Description of Duties

Manage the daily operations of the Veteran Services Office. Perform administrative work by advising local Veterans and their dependents of the rights and entitlements under various federal and state laws, and actively assisting in completion of necessary forms, obtaining documents and forwarding same to the NCDVA for review and presentation before USDVA.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class serves as the Veteran's and/or claimants federally accredited representative for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims before the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs under the laws relating to Veterans benefits (Chapter 38, CFR). The employee directs the department and provides assistance to Veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits; interprets and applies benefit requirements for pensions, compensations, medical services, education, home loan guarantee, death benefits, and other special provisions. The employee projects annual budget needs, establishes public awareness programs, to include community outreach events, and public presentation of services to community organizations.

The Veteran Services Officer will operate the Wadesboro, NC office to maintain records, office supplies, schedules, and appointments on Anson County Veterans. The employee refers applicants to other County, State, Federal, or private programs as applicable. Works closely with the District Officer from the N. C. Division of Veterans Affairs, forwarding forms and seeking advice or clarification as needed. Employee must maintain their knowledge of VA laws, regulations, and procedures through periodic review of State office memos, regulations, guidelines, and attendance at annual training workshops. Employees frequently compose letters or statements for clients in support of their claims, appeals, or applications. The high public contact and requisite communication skills are critical focus of this work. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Manager and is reviewed through conferences and periodic performance appraisal.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management form assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position.

• Projects and maintains annual budget needs.

• Establishes public awareness programs.

• Provides advice and counsel on the appeals and handles the most complex appeals and cases.

• Presents legal cases before the federal VA judges as required by the NCDMVA as the Veterans accredited representative.

• Interviews claimants to develop eligibility for benefits.

• Interprets VA laws and regulations in order to apply the federal VA laws to multiple years of service.

• Assists in completion of applications for federal, state, and local government benefits in submitting to the USVA, and DOD.

• Presents office advancement to the county commissioners.

• Composes letters of request for documentation from doctors, nursing homes, congressional legislature and etc.

• Establishes public awareness programs to include community outreach events, and public presentation of services to community organizations.

• Works closely with county Veteran organizations (VFW, DAV, Veterans Council, Marine Corp. league, etc.) to unify Veteran support within the community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of VA benefits, laws, and regulations.

• Knowledge of various community agencies and facilities.

• Knowledge of VA medical services available.

• Knowledge of VA benefits administration.

• Knowledge of N.C. Veteran laws and regulations.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and related office systems and equipment.

• Ability to communicate orally and in written form.

• Ability to effectively interview claimants.

• Knowledge of Department of Defense retirement and change regulations.

• Knowledge of National Archive laws and regulations.

Requirements

Minimum Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree in public administration or human health services and five years in progressively responsible experience in veteran's services: or associate's degree in administrative office technology, Human Health Services and seven years of progressively responsible experience in veteran's services.

Special Requirements

Must complete requirements to obtain accreditation through NC Division of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion within one year in the position, must complete (TRIP) Training Responsibility Involvement in Preparation of claims through NCDVA, and must obtain clearance with the USVA within one year in the position, obtaining a PIV card to access claim files. This position must attend required training, in order to maintain accreditations.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes computers, copiers, calculators, fax machines, postage meters, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for those of medium work.

Application Process

Submit an Anson County application to Roslynn K. Ingram, HR Manager at 101 South Greene St. Suite 240 Wadesboro, NC 28170 or email hr@ansoncountync.gov. 

Closing Date: This position is open until filled.  First review of applications November 15, 2024. 

Salary : $41,093 - $71,274