Veterans Services Officer

Mecklenburg County Government; North Carolina; On-site; USD 56,222 - 70,277; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate individual to support veterans in navigating their rights and benefits. This role involves advising veterans and their families, processing disability claims, and advocating for their entitlements under various laws. The position is integral to enhancing community support services and requires strong communication skills and a commitment to serving those who have served. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path with significant community impact.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with military veterans' services or related human services.
• Ability to obtain VA certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Advise veterans on rights and entitlements under Federal and State laws.
• Develop and process claims for various benefits for veterans and dependents.

Skills

Customer Service

Mathematical Calculations

Legal Document Interpretation

Report Preparation

Complex Caseload Management

Interviewing Skills

Research Skills

Database Management

Communication

Building Strategic Relationships

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in a human services field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!

Please apply by: Friday, March 21st, 2025

Salary Range: $56,222.00 to $70,277.00 per year. This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, an inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Community Support Services (CSS) transforms lives and communities by supporting veterans, ending homelessness, treating substance use, and preventing and intervening in community and domestic violence. As a department in Mecklenburg County’s Health and Human Services Agency, CSS maximizes community partnerships and collaborative opportunities to improve access to services and advocate for the needs of special populations.

Position Summary

Advise and explain to local veterans and/or their dependents their rights and entitlements under various Federal and State laws. This position, under general supervision, is responsible for developing disability benefit claims by ensuring all pertinent documentation is submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the veterans and/or their dependents; and serve as an advocate to secure disability benefits and assist them in obtaining healthcare, education, employment, housing, financial assistance, and other benefits they may be entitled to.

Essential Functions

1. Interview veterans, their dependents, and other affiliates to evaluate their needs and problems to determine their rights, benefits, privileges, or obligations under laws administered by the Veterans Administration.
2. Develop and process a variety of claims for benefits such as disability compensation and pension, death pension and compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, life insurance benefits, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, as well as other benefits administered.
3. Review and examine service medical records, military personnel records, private medical records, and other documents to obtain evidence to present to the Veterans Administration Rating Board to substantiate claims for benefits.
4. Appear before Veterans Administration Rating Boards, present, and answer questions pertaining to a claim, justify requested action, and appeal unfavorable board decisions.
5. Build relationships and work closely with private medical physicians and specialists to establish a referral system for veterans who need diagnosis and treatment to substantiate their VA disability claims.
6. Present veterans’ programs to various organizations; keep veterans and dependents informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges.
7. Keep veterans, dependents, and the community informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges.
8. Ability to work a flexible schedule to assist veterans and their family members in various locations throughout Mecklenburg County.
9. Participate in outreach events and engage with veterans, their family members, and community providers when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience working with military veterans' services or related human services experience.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.

Licenses and Certifications: Ability to obtain and maintain the Department of Veterans Affairs certification within one year of employment. Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License. Requires the ability to obtain and maintain County Driving Privileges.

Preferred Qualifications

Current accreditation as a VSO highly preferred.

Associate degree in a human services field preferred.

Military service preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
State and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veterans services and benefits and the functioning of the Veterans Administration. Forms, procedures, and informational sources used in applying for benefits. Other state and federal social and rehabilitative services and benefits available to clients. Services offered by the county and other local and private community-based service agencies.

Skills:
Providing customer service, performing mathematical calculations, reading and interpreting legal documents, applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations, preparing reports, managing complex caseloads in multiple programs simultaneously, conducting interviews, conducting research, managing databases.

Abilities:
Building customer loyalty, building strategic work relationships, communication, customer focus, initiating action, quality orientation, work standards.

Computer Skills:
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.