VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER - Veteran Services

Tarrant County; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarrant County is seeking a Veterans Benefits Advocate to assist veterans and their survivors with preparing and presenting claims for federal and state benefits in Fort Worth, TX. The role involves interviewing clients, verifying information, referring to resources, and facilitating access to VA medical and dental programs.

Responsibilities include document preparation, outreach at care facilities and clients' homes, and maintaining compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent.
• Three years of administrative, legal, or general office experience.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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<b>.</b>

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Organization

Record keeping

Confidentiality

Windows

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

10-key calculator by touch

Fax machines

Copy machines

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Windows OS

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

10-key calculator by touch

Fax machines

Copy machines

Job description

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 a sufficient number of applications have been received.

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

• 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.

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.