Assistant Veteran Services Officer

Posting number: 14.03304

Department: Veteran Services

Job classification: VS_Assistant Veteran Services Officer

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Veteran Services

Summary

Reporting directly to the Veteran Services Officer, responsible for providing a multitude of professional and supportive assistance to veterans, dependents, and survivors.

Examples of duties

• Provides counseling related to disability and/or pension benefits
• Conducts initial veteran eligibility assessment, interviews veteran, dependents and/or survivors
• Reviews and analyzes documentation, determines benefits, establishes, and maintains records of information
• Prepares claim forms and assembles required information to establish the validity of a veteran claim under Federal and State statutes 
• Assists with benefit eligibility, descriptions of benefits, and obtaining benefits
• Assists with completion of all paperwork of federal and state benefits
• Assists with obtaining admission to and treatment in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, including long-term care facilities
• Participates in conferences with veterans' organizations and with federal and state offices on matters affecting the welfare of veteran benefits programs
• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal legislation affecting veteran programs
• Prepares presentations and assists with community outreach
• Communicates frequently with office support staff, other county personnel, department heads, supervisors, external agencies, veterans, and the general public
• Acts as the liaison between Veterans and the Veterans Administration
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to – Veteran Services Officer
• Direct Reports – No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• Travel between worksites, as required
• Veteran’s appointments may occur in the office or at the veteran’s home
• May require the use of a personal vehicle

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• Essential personnel in the event of an emergency
• Regular attendance is required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years of customer service experience
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and rulings of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Ability to perform multiple complex tasks simultaneously
• Ability to conduct detailed research involving financial and medical information
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required within thirty (30) days of employment

Required within six (6) months of employment

• Certified Veteran Services Officer by the Department of Veteran Affairs
• Accredited by the Texas Veterans Commission

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associate degree in a related field
• Prior public sector experience and/or experience working with veterans
• In appointing an officer, the Commissioners Court shall give preference to a veteran who qualifies for a veteran's employment preference under Chapter 657 of the Texas Government Code. Chapter 657 details the following individuals qualify for a veteran's employment preference in the following order of priority:
  • (1)  a veteran with a disability;
  • (2)  a veteran;
  • (3)  a veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried; and
  • (4)  an orphan of a veteran if