Veterans' Service Officer I

State of Vermont; Montpelier (VT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Paid holidays

FMLI (Family and Medical Leave)

Job summary

State of Vermont is seeking a Veteran Service Officer I to help veterans access eligible benefits and to undergo training for accreditation as a Veteran Service Officer. The role involves interviewing veterans, gathering records, and managing claims with the VA, including appeals when necessary.

Responsibilities include learning federal requirements, filing claims, and statewide outreach. Travel may be required, and accreditation within the first year is mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent AND two (2) years or more work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting.
• OR One (1) year of college coursework in a Human Services or relevant field AND one (1) year of work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting.

Responsibilities

• Learning the legal and procedural requirements in order to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Interviewing veterans and family members to gather information to file a claim with the federal VA.
• Gathering records and files to substantiate a claim.
• Processing the necessary forms and letters needed to support the claim.
• Case management for tracking the claim process from beginning to end, to include justifiable appeals of denied claims.
• Outreach to veterans is conducted state-wide, some travel is required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year of college coursework in a Human Services or relevant field

Two years or more work experience in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting

Job description

Overview

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs is looking for a Veteran Service Officer I who will play a pivotal role to veterans by facilitating their access to benefits, which they may have otherwise not received. They will actively work to serve the needs of Vermont veterans and their families and will undergo training to be certified and accredited as a Veteran Service Officer.

Overview

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs is looking for a Veteran Service Officer I who will play a pivotal role to veterans by facilitating their access to benefits, which they may have otherwise not received. They will actively work to serve the needs of Vermont veterans and their families and will undergo training to be certified and accredited as a Veteran Service Officer.

Duties Include

• Learning the legal and procedural requirements in order to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Interviewing veterans and family members to gather information to file a claim with the federal VA.
• Gathering records and files to substantiate a claim.
• Processing the necessary forms and letters needed to support the claim.
• Case management for tracking the claim process from beginning to end, to include justifiable appeals of denied claims.
• Outreach to veterans is conducted state-wide, some travel is required.

This position requires the candidate to pass a Federal, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), background check and the ability to be certified by the DVA Office of Legal Counsel to take veterans' Power of Attorney and represent them before DVA.

Who May Apply

This position, Veterans' Service Officer I (Job Requisition #55388), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [e-mail].

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are generally performed in a standard office setting, but extensive field work will necessitate private means of transportation. Adversarial situations may be encountered for which tact and diplomacy will be needed. Clients with mental health challenges may be encountered for which awareness of the situation, patience, and consideration for safety will be needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent AND two (2) years or more work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting. OR One (1) year of college coursework in a Human Services or relevant field AND one (1) year of work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with Federal and State veterans benefits and services.

Special Requirements

Must become accredited by the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veteran Service Officer within the first year of employment and must maintain re-accreditation in each subsequent year.

Must complete US Department of Veterans Affairs requirements for claims representation within the first 6-months of hire to include: Pass TRIP training, finger printing requirements, and a federal background check through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Must continuously hold a valid driver's license.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.