VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER - Veteran Services

Tarrant County College; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarrant County College is seeking a Veterans Benefits Counselor to advocate for veterans and survivors, helping prepare and present claims for federal and state benefits. Applicants should attach DD-214s to confirm veteran status. The role involves interviewing clients, gathering records, and coordinating with VA and community resources.

Travel within Texas for annual training may be required. This position offers the opportunity to support veterans through complex benefit programs while

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of administrative, legal, or general office experience.
• Texas Veterans Commission accreditation within two years of hiring.
• Current and valid driver’s license with satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Pass a federal background check initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Experience with Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, 10-key calculator, fax and copy machines.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel out of region for annual training within Texas.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts client interviews to determine eligibility for VA benefit programs.
• Investigates and verifies interview, case, financial and related demographic information, including researching records.
• Refers clients to appropriate community resources.
• Assists clients with gaining access to DVA medical and dental treatment programs.
• Creates, responds to and submits documents and reports.
• Conducts outreaches at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and clients' homes to assist with applying for VA benefits.
• Utilizes client management system to prepare claims and submit to federal/state agencies.
• Performs intake duties and uses Veteran Information and Management System to enter veteran demographics.
• Participates in conferences with veterans' organizations and federal/state offices.
• Communicates with office staff, county personnel, department heads, supervisors, agencies, veterans and the public.
• Reviews policies and ensures program compliance.
• Uses department's social media accounts for outreach.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Customer service

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

10-key calculator

Job description

Summary

Acts as an advocate and assists Tarrant County veterans and their survivors with preparing and presenting claims for federal and state benefits.

Applicants, please attach DD-214s to confirm Veteran Status.

This posting may close at any time once sufficient number of applications have been received.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts client interviews to determine potential eligibility for VA benefit programs.
• Investigates and verifies appropriate interview, case, financial and related demographic information, which includes researching legal, social, psychological, medical, criminal and employment records.
• Refers clients to the appropriate community resources.
• Assists clients with gaining access to DVA medical and dental treatment programs.
• Creates, responds to and submits documents and reports.
• Conducts outreaches at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and clients' homes to assist them with applying for VA benefits.
• Utilizes manual or computerized client management system to prepare claims for client and submit to appropriate federal and state agencies.
• Performs intake duties and utilizes the computerized Veteran Information and Management System to enter veterans' demographic information for the Director as needed.
• Participates in conferences with veterans' organizations and with federal and state offices on matters affecting the welfare of veteran benefits programs.
• Frequently communicates with office support staff, other County personnel, department heads, supervisors, external agencies, veterans and the general public.
• Reviews and follows policies, procedures, governmental regulations and court-mandated orders to ensure program compliance.
• Frequently utilizes department's social media accounts as an additional method of contacting and reaching out to veterans.
• Performs all other related duties involved in the operation of the business as assigned or required.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of administrative, legal, or general office experience.
• Prior public sector experience or experience working with veterans or active duty servicemen or servicewomen preferred.
• Must achieve or be eligible for Texas Veterans Commission accreditation within two (2) years of hiring.
• Must have a current and valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Must be able to pass a federal background initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Experience with Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, 10-key calculator by touch, fax and copy machines.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers, employees, and management in a pleasant, professional manner.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records that will be audited periodically.
• Ability to work under pressure in a high volume office, produce accurate work and meet established deadlines.
• Must be dependable, resourceful, and able to work independently and to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must be available for out of region travel for annual training, which is held at various locations within the state of Texas.
• Knowledge of laws that govern veteran benefits preferred.

Physical Demands And Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, keyboard, lift between waist and shoulder, pull, push, sit, stoop, and talk. May have to lift heavy boxes of supplies or office/display objects up to 40 lbs. May come in contact with hostile customers.

Tarrant County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical, dental, and vision coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and long- term disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 13 paid holidays, a Wellness Program, and more.

• Note: These benefits are for Tarrant County employees only. For benefit information regarding Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, please contact Patrice Smith at [phone].