Veterans Services Officer (Office/On-site) - #251211-9094SH-001

Connecticut; Norwich; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency supporting veterans is hiring a Veterans Services Officer to advocate for veterans and assist with claims related to disability, education, and burial benefits. Candidates should have three years of experience in social services and strong communication skills. The role requires outreach to veterans and their families to ensure they receive the necessary support. This full-time position operates Monday to Friday in Norwich.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience assisting clients in social or health care programs.
• Interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and monitor veteran claims for benefits.
• Advocate for veterans to receive their benefits.
• Conduct outreach to veterans and assist them with resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Knowledge of state and federal laws

Ability to coordinate social services

Education

General experience in social or health care programs

Job description

Position Overview

Veterans Services Officer – Office of Advocacy and Assistance, State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. Full‑time; Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Location: Norwich, CT.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and monitor veteran claims for disability, pension, education, and burial benefits.
• Attend hearings and may represent veterans before administrative review bodies regarding veteran benefit issues.
• Advocate for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents to receive the full range of veterans benefits.
• Interview, counsel, and advise veterans on available benefits and services.
• Conduct outreach to veterans, spouses, and dependents through visits to nursing homes, convalescent homes, hospitals, and home visits.
• Develop an information library concerning services and resources available to veterans.
• Act as a liaison with service providers and recipients.
• Research information on provider facilities to serve recipients.
• Assist in setting up screening appointments and provide transportation as necessary.
• Monitor providers to determine need for referral or further diagnosis.
• Advise veterans on employment and reemployment services.
• Provide information on federal and state education programs to veterans and their families.
• Serve as department representative on community‑wide committees involved in veterans issues.
• May conduct public speaking engagements.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; economic, social, medical, environmental, psychological, and emotional factors influencing veteran and family behavior and health.
• Considerable interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate available support and social services, including veterans community resources.
• Interpret and apply agency policies and procedures, and complex technical materials.
• Collect and compile statistical data.

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience

• Three (3) years of technical experience assisting clients in finding, qualifying for, applying for, or delivering social or health care service programs involving direct client contact.

Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (½) year of experience to a maximum of three (3) years.
• Current or previous accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, may be substituted for the General Experience, except when accreditation was withdrawn for cause.
• Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reviewing and processing applications.
• Experience reviewing and processing claims for benefits.
• Experience interviewing prospective clients to determine eligibility, needs, and qualification for services.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying complex state and federal law, regulations, and policies.
• Experience conducting public outreach events to inform potential clients on the availability of services and benefits.

Special Requirements

• Served in time of war for at least ninety (90) days, unless separated earlier because of a service‑connected disability.
• Received an honorable discharge from or been released under honorable conditions from active service in the Armed Forces as defined in Section 27‑103 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• Been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the armed forces.
• Will be required to complete a course in veterans benefits within one (1) year of employment and must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• May be required to travel.

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.