Veteran Services Officer

Chatham County, NC; Pittsboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Chatham County Veterans Services in North Carolina seeks a Veteran Service Officer to help veterans and dependents access rights to benefits and services. You will interview applicants, determine eligibility, and assist with education and employment issues while coordinating with state and federal agencies.

The role requires knowledge of federal and state benefit programs, strong report writing, and proficiency with Word/Excel.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current federal and state legislation relating to veterans benefits.
• Experience interviewing veterans and dependents to obtain comprehensive case histories.
• Ability to prepare and follow up on applications for state and federal benefits.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Pass a written exam after one year of training; TRIPS training after accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Advises veterans, survivors, and dependents of their rights under benefits acts and legislation.
• Interviews veterans to obtain case histories for eligibility determinations.
• Assist with education and employment-related issues.
• Attend required training via NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and NACVSO.
• Prepare and follow up on applications for state/federal benefits including home loans.
• Review and file claims for veteran benefits.
• Maintain liaison with veteran service agencies.
• Conduct public information activities about benefits via media and events.
• Formulate office procedures; may train volunteers and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Knowledge of veterans benefits laws

Interviews with veterans & dependents

Report writing

Public relations

MS Word & Excel

Use of online databases

Independent work

Relationship building

Federal/state programs awareness

Advocacy for veterans

Education

High school diploma; Associate’s degree in Business or veteran service work preferred

Job description

Are you looking for a career where the work you do truly matters? In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to give back to those who have served our country and make a life-changing difference for veterans and their families. Every day, you’ll help connect veterans with the benefits, resources, and support they’ve earned. Your work has a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

We offer amazing benefits, competitive compensation, incredible benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment. If you’re passionate about helping others, value meaningful work, and want a career where you can see the difference you make, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Advises veterans, veterans’ survivors, and their dependents of their rights under military service benefits acts and other relevant legislation;
• Investigates and conducts interviews with veterans and their dependents to obtain a comprehensive case history in order that eligibility for aid can be determined;
• May assist veterans and dependents with education and employment-related issues;
• Must attend all required training as directed by the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and offered through the NC Association of County Veterans Services Officers;
• Assists veterans and dependents in the office and the offices of other public agencies in the preparation and follow-up of applications for state and federal benefits including home loans;
• Reviews and files claims for veteran benefits;
• Develops and maintains close liaison with other veteran service agencies;
• Conducts a public relations program to disseminate general information regarding veterans benefits by means of radio broadcasts, newspaper releases, and speaking engagements before interested groups;
• Formulates office procedures;
• May train and supervise volunteer workers and service officers;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school and preferably at least an Associate’s Degree in Business and/or considerable work in Veteran Service work, or an equivalent combination of training & experience. Must be capable of passing a written exam given by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs after one year of training. Once accreditation is awarded, a Veteran Service Officer must complete and pass the Federal TRIPS training course in order to be eligible to access the Federal Computer Files. Preference given for qualified military veteran applicants.

NCDMVA accredited Veteran Service Officer preferred. NACVSO National Veteran Service Officer certification preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of current federal and state legislation relating to benefits for military service veterans and their dependents;
• Thorough knowledge of programs and activities of other agencies rendering services to veterans;
• General knowledge of the legal documents and processes necessary to substantiate benefit claims;
• Ability to tactfully conduct interviews of a personal nature with veterans and their families as a means of obtaining accurate and complete information;
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with veterans, veteran groups and government agencies;
• Ability to write complete and accurate reports and make specific recommendations;
• Demonstrate basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Ability to use online databases to enter information about veterans’ benefits;
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, County staff and others.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, handling or feeling and repetitive motions; frequently requires standing, walking and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling and lifting. It also requires standard vision requirements, vocal communication abilities to express or exchange ideas orally, sufficient hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels, and ability to operate machines, motor vehicles or equipment. Work has no exposure to environmental conditions and sometimes will be performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, court room, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Must successfully complete the Federal TRIPS training course.