Position: Veterans Service Officer

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt

Department: Valley Veterans Service Office

Reports to: Veterans Service Office Director

Posting Date: March 20, 2023

Application Deadline: Until filled

Position Grade: Grade 9

Rate of Pay: $17.14/hour

Position Schedule: Mon - Fri

Benefit Eligible: Full Benefits/PERS

Job Summary:

The mission of the Valley Veteran Service center is to provide veterans who are residents of Ravalli County and their family member's information about access to and assistance with all DVA benefits, services, and local resources in one location in a dignified, personal, confidential and efficient manner.

This work involves advocating, advising and assisting veterans, their dependents and their families in securing all possible entitlements and other benefits and services to which they may be entitled under State and Federal Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations. This position will assist male and female veterans with claims involving issues of a sensitive nature such as personal trauma and promotes the use of DVA benefits, programs and services. This requires a high degree of analytical proficiency and the ability to apply judgment and discretion as well as gathering, assembling, correlating, and analyzing information to devise solutions to problems and to prepare reports.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the front office and assist all Veterans regardless of their reason for visiting the Valley Veterans Service Center.
• Perform general clerical duties including scheduling appointments, general filing and preparing correspondence, processing mail, and data entry as directed.
• Answer phones, address questions concerning the US Department of Veterans Affairs
• (DVA), and Valley Veterans Service Center (VVSC) services and take/manage accurate messages.
• Interview individuals regarding claimed services to determine unarticulated needs that may be met using local, state, or federal Veterans programs.
• Recognize and determine eligibility requirements for VA benefits. Be familiar with outside agencies for client referrals.
• Reference individual medical records with the 38 CFR Book C and advise Veterans as to possible entitlements after reviewing their medical records.
• Gather evidence in support of claims for all local, state, and federal Veterans programs and advise/guide Veterans about the procedures for obtaining benefits by explaining regulations, policies, determinations, and forms processing procedures of the DVA.
• Acquire public documents, vital records, military records, medical, social, psychological and financial information, etc., which are required to complete customer’s claims.
• Advise clients about the procedures for obtaining benefits by explaining regulations, policies, and forms processing procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Coordinate claims with federal, state, county, and private sector agencies, to facilitate claims processing and to ensure that claimant's financial, social, and psychological interests are best served.
• Advise individuals of their legal rights and responsibilities under federal and state veterans’ laws pursuant to the 38 CFR.
• Investigate errors or delays in processing procedures for benefits, to correct or expedite the claims process.
• Maintain paper and electronic files for claimant's records and other records alphabetically, subjectively, and chronologically.
• Provides regular status reports and updates to the office Director and Lead CVSO.
• Maintain a clean work environment at all times (shared janitorial duties).
• Maintain strict confidentiality and information security.

Upon receiving VA accreditation:

• Will be assisting veterans with initial inquiries regarding claims. Conducting appointments in-person and telephonic.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers and the general public.
• Ability to review, investigate, record data and suggest courses of action.
• Ability to counsel and assist individuals with discretion.
• Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and obtain information pertinent to veteran’s benefits.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and case files Applicant must authorize and pass criminal background check

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Honorably discharged military veteran preferred with proof of Veteran status (DD214).
• US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Service Officer Accreditation
• Must possess a valid Montana driver's license or have the ability to obtain one and have an acceptable driving record to keep minimum insurance on a personal vehicle as required by the State of Montana.
• Must be able to successfully pass a federal background investigation by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to receive a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card within one hundred eighty (180) days of hire date.
• Must demonstrate the ability to self-motivate and work with minimal direct supervision.
• Possess the ability to operate a personal computer and computer software (MS Office Suite) automated forms processing and Internet web browsers, e-mail, and other software applications as required.
• Knowledge of veteran's benefits/claims application procedures and processes, including department rules, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Familiarity with and the ability to correctly interpret basic medical terminology used in legislation, regulations, and claims presentation.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology used in legislation, regulations, and claims presentations.
• Knowledge of various local, state, and federal assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to effectively counsel individuals on medical, legal, accounting, and income tax issues and to interact effectively with bereaved, ill, frustrated, or angry persons and the physically impaired as related to Veterans benefit claims.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers and the general public and to produce reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to research, review, interpret, investigate record and apply Veteran laws and regulations to produce suggested courses of action.
• Ability to work in conjunction with professional, medical and legal persons and to counsel and assist individuals with discretion.
• Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals over individual concerns.
• Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and obtain information pertinent to Veterans benefits.
• Must follow strict rules of confidentiality.
• Must achieve and maintain accreditation as an accredited representative, by the Department of Veterans Affairs, within 6 months from date of hire.
• Must annually achieve 16 hours of continuing education units to maintain US Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation (this often requires travel away from home).

Required Education and Experience:

• High School graduate or equivalent

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Preferred applicants will have some post-secondary education in business, social science, legal, or related field; or the equivalent amount of work experience that demonstrates proficiency in explaining complex information, and in eliciting financial, social, medical and other sensitive personal information.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• Capability to lift and carry up to 30lbs.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Ravalli County is an equal employment opportunity employer (EEO). Ravalli County does not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation or the other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, or veteran’s status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.