Veterans Services Officer

Mecklenburg County; North Carolina; On-site; USD 57,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County is seeking a Veterans Services position to advise veterans and dependents on rights and entitlements under federal and state laws, and to develop disability benefit claims on their behalf. The role requires working under supervision to secure benefits and assist with healthcare, education, housing and other supports.

The position is full-time, on-site at multiple Veterans Services locations, with requirements including obtaining VA accreditation and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with veterans' services or related human services experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation within one year of employment.
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Interview veterans, dependents and affiliates to determine rights and benefits.
• Develop and process claims for disability compensation, pension, education and other benefits.
• Review medical and personnel records to support VA disability claims.
• Appear before VA Rating Boards and present information to support claims.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!!

Salary Range: $57,346.00 to $71,682.00 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, 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 community 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 Specific Information

Full time onsite position at one of three Veterans Services locations based on business need including:

• Valerie C. Woodard Center at 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
• Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213
• Huntersville Town Hall, 14704 N. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

Selected candidate must obtain and/or maintain US Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation through the Office of General Counsel. Requires successfully completing a Federal Background investigation to obtain accreditation.

Position Summary

Advise and explain to local veterans and/or their dependents of 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 not only secure disability benefits to veterans and/or their dependents, but to assist them in obtaining healthcare, education, employment, housing, financial assistance, and other benefits that they may be entitled to.

Essential Functions

• Interview veterans, their dependents and other affiliates and evaluates their needs and problems to determine their rights, benefits, privileges or obligations under laws administered by the Veterans Administration
• 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
• Review and examine service medical records, military personnel records, private medical records and other documents and sources to obtain evidence to present to the Veterans Administration Rating Board to substantiate claims for benefits
• Appear before Veterans Administration Rating Boards, presents and answers questions pertaining to a claim, justifies requested action, and appeals unfavorable board decisions
• Build relationships and works 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
• Present veterans programs to various organizations; keeps veterans and dependents informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges
• Keep veterans, dependents, and the community informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges
• Ability to work a flexible schedule in order to assist veterans and their family members in various locations throughout Mecklenburg County.
• 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's 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 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: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty
  Building Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
  Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
  Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
  Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
  Quality Orientation: Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time
  Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed
  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.