Southern Rural Outreach Program Specialist/VSO

United Trading Group; Cedar City (UT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs seeks a dedicated Veterans Service Officer to advocate for veterans across Beaver, Grand, Iron, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, and Wayne counties. You will counsel, assist, and guide clients through state and federal benefits while balancing a demanding caseload.

This full-time role requires travel, a security clearance if needed, and strong computer skills to navigate VA.gov and related systems.

Qualifications

• VA-certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO) within six months of hire.
• Complete mandatory state and federal training programs within timelines.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Strong computer skills including Windows, Word, Excel, web navigation and email.
• Crisis management skills with active listening and de-escalation.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for veterans and dependents; provide case management and referrals.
• Assess eligibility, prepare and track compensation and pension claims.
• Educate claimants on VA/State benefits and legal requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of PII and navigate VA systems for benefits.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Active listening

Public speaking

Education

College education preferred

High School diploma or equivalent with military service

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Word

Excel

Web navigation

Email systems

Job description

Southern Rural Outreach Program Specialist/VSO

Are you a veteran looking for a meaningful opportunity to continue your service?

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (DVMA) is seeking a dedicated, mission-driven Veterans Service Officer (VSO). In this role, you will act as a primary advocate, helping local veterans, military members, and their families navigate and secure the benefits they have earned.

About the Role

As a Veterans Service Officer, you will counsel, advise, and assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining county, state, and federal benefits. You will serve as both an advocate and a case manager, balancing complex caseloads with proactive community outreach.

Our ideal candidate is a veteran who understands the unique experiences of military life and can build strong partnerships to expand our outreach network across Beaver, Grand, Iron, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, and Wayne counties.

Position Information

• Salary: $24.50
• Status: Full-time
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Work Schedule & Travel: Requires regular travel across the service area and occasional holiday and weekend work for events.
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining a security clearance, if needed.
• Location: Cedar City UT (Counties: Beaver, Grand, Iron, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, and Wayne counties)
• Application Deadline: 10/19/2026

Key Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy & Case Management
  • Conduct Eligibility Assessments: Interview veterans and beneficiaries to evaluate their eligibility for various state and federal benefit programs under the Veterans Benefits Acts. Provide referrals when appropriate.
  • Manage Claims Processes: Prepare, submit, and track complex compensation and pension claims, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Set Clear Expectations: Educate claimants on their role in the application process, the scope of your support, and the legal framework governing VA decisions.
  • Maintain Confidentiality: Handle sensitive personal information with care, strictly safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Program Navigation & Education
  • Navigate Digital Platforms: Efficiently utilize VA.gov, Veterans.utah.gov, and related state and federal systems to process information.
  • Educate on State Benefits: Guide clients through state-specific veteran benefits, including tax abatements, Veteran Resource Centers, in-state tuition, legal assistance, state park passes, Veteran cemetery, State Veterans' Homes, First Times Homebuyer Program, Military Retirement Tax, while being familiar with partner programs like those offered by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), etc.
  • Educate on Federal VA Benefits: Provide counseling on disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), burial benefits, housing assistance, etc.
  • Explain Complex Eligibility Criteria: Effectively communicate and clarify the statutory eligibility requirements established by the VA for granting Service-Connected Disability (SCD), Burial Benefits, and Survivor Pension/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
• Outreach & Communication
  • Community Representation: Attend meetings and serve on committees alongside VA staff and local community partners to promote DVMA programs.
  • Inquiry Resolution: Respond to inquiries from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and congressional offices in a clear, timely, and professional manner.
  • Position requires occasional weekend work.

Qualifications

• Certification: Ability to become a VA-certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO) within six (6) months of hire.
• Training: Ability to successfully complete all mandatory state and federal training programs within designated timelines.
• Driving Record: A valid driver's license and a clean driving record (demonstrated by a recent DMV printout).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, web navigation, and email systems.
• Crisis Management: Ability to work effectively under high-pressure conditions—utilizing active listening and de-escalation techniques—while maintaining emotional composure, personal well-being, and professional effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Veteran Status: Preference will be given to veterans and disabled veterans who received an honorable discharge.
• Local Knowledge: Residence within Richfield in Sevier County is highly preferred due to the nature of the work and to facilitate outreach across the assigned region.
• Education: College education preferred, but will consider High School diploma or equivalent with military service

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Veterans Benefits Expertise: Working knowledge of VBA requirements and procedures for processing diverse veteran benefit claims.
• Interpersonal Communication: Ability to active-listen, communicate information clearly, and deliver engaging public presentations or training sessions.
• Professional Writing: Ability to draft clear, concise correspondence and formal responses to government agencies.
• Collaboration & Supervision: Ability to work collaboratively with community agencies and functionally supervise program volunteers.

Why You Should Join Our Team

At our core, we believe that those who serve our country deserve top tier support when they come home. Our vision is clear: Make Utah the best state in the nation to perform military missions and be recognized as a premier location for Veterans, service members and their families to live and succeed.

When you join us, you’re not just taking a job—you’re becoming a dedicated advocate and innovator. We work across government, private, and non-profit sectors to open doors to available benefits, build a statewide community that honors service and expand opportunities on Utah’s military installations. Guided by five core principles—Respect, Awareness, Access, Responsiveness, and Effectiveness—we are building a culture where your service is valued and your mission continues. If you’re ready to channel your drive, integrity, and passion for service into making Utah the best place in the nation for Veterans and their families, we want you on our team.

For more information on the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, click here.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].