Veteran Service Officer

Wayne County NY; Town of Lyons (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne County NY is seeking a Service Officer for a HELP Program position to counsel veterans, service members and families on rights and benefits. The role involves assisting with education, health, employment and rehabilitation services, and liaising with agencies to secure benefits.

You will prepare claims, maintain files, and produce routine reports while handling clerical duties. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma with experience in guidance/counseling, veteran status, and a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3 years of experience assisting individuals in guidance counseling or benefit problems.
• Substitution of study toward degree may be allowed year-for-year.
• Must be an honorably discharged wartime veteran at appointment with DD214 or official documentation.
• Must possess a valid NYS driver's license at appointment and maintain it.

Responsibilities

• Interviews claimants in need of assistance.
• Prepares and processes claims, applications and appeals for pensions, compensation, medical treatment and other service benefits.
• Procures documentation required for validation of claims; follow up claims to assure prompt action; reviews decision relating to claims.
• Assists and advises veterans regarding insurance programs and benefits and in formulating or converting their insurance estate;
• Prepares records and reports relating to Veterans Administration matters;
• Prepares monthly and bi-weekly statistical reports;
• Processes all incoming and outgoing mail; reviews correspondence and determines necessary action;
• Maintains case files for veterans and dependents;
• May assist with payroll process, vouchers, and other clerical duties as needed.
• Does related work as required.

Skills

Veterans benefits knowledge

Public relations

Office terminology

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Judgement

Tact and courtesy

Mental alertness

Accuracy

Education

High school diploma or GED

College study substitution allowed

Job description

HELP Program: This temporary program allows for a waiver of Civil Service Examinations for certain titles, in an effort to get qualified candidates quickly into vacant positions.

The work involves responsibility for counseling and assisting veterans, service members and their families on problems relating to their rights and benefits. Work involves matters pertaining to educational training, health, medical and rehabilitation services and facilities; employment and re-employment and provisions of laws relating to veterans’ rights and privileges. In addition, a Service Officer will prepare and assist veterans in the preparation and processing of claims and maintain liaison with public and private agencies, which provide benefits for veterans. An incumbent in this position is responsible for maintaining office functions and is expected to exercise independent judgment in areas of concern and responsibility. Does related work as required.

• Interviews claimants in need of assistance;
• Prepares and processes claims, applications and appeals for pensions, compensation, medical treatment and other service benefits;
• Procures documentation required for validation of claims; follow up claims to assure prompt action; reviews decision relating to claims;
• Assists and advises veterans regarding insurance programs and benefits and in formulating or converting their insurance estate;
• Prepares records and reports relating to Veterans Administration matters;
• Prepares monthly and bi-weekly statistical reports;
• Processes all incoming and outgoing mail; reviews correspondence and determines necessary action;
• Maintains case files for veterans and dependents;
• May assist with payroll process, vouchers, and other clerical duties as needed.
• Does related work as required.

Good knowledge of Federal, State and local laws governing veterans benefits and services; good knowledge of benefits and services available to veterans and their dependents; good knowledge of the various forms used in processing claims, etc.; good knowledge of office terminology; ability to establish and maintain good public relations and to deal effectively with veterans’ problems; good judgement; mental alertness; sensitivity to reactions of others; accuracy; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three (3) years of experience assisting individuals in guidance counseling, resolving financial, employment or benefit claim problems.

NOTE:

Study in a regionally accredited college, university or business school or one registered by New York State may be substituted for the experience on a year for year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Candidate must be an honorably discharged wartime veteran at time of appointment. (Verified by submission of discharge/separation papers, Form DD214 or other official documentation, indicating dates of active service and character of discharge/release. Article 17 of the Executive Law of New York State).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT:

Possession of a valid New York State Operator’s license at time of appointment and maintenance of such license throughout the tenure of employment in the position.

Special Requirement:

Will be required to become a member in good standings with Wayne County American Legion Post and remain member throughout tenure.