Veterans Services Officer 1

Pinellas County Government; Saint Petersburg (FL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Florida Retirement System

Deferred compensation

Wellness centers

Job summary

Pinellas County Government seeks a Veterans Service Officer to assist veterans and dependents with benefits and entitlements. You will interview, counsel, and process claims, determining eligibility and guiding applicants through the process. You will work at Clearwater and St.

Petersburg locations, with occasional nights, weekends, and holidays, and a remote opportunity within the county. Must be a veteran (or surviving spouse) and obtain VSO certification within the first year.

Qualifications

• Must be a veteran (or the surviving spouse) and meet Title 38 U.S. Code and Florida Statute 292.11 requirements.
• VSO certification within first year of employment is required.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Interview and counsel veterans and dependents regarding benefits and entitlements.
• Process claims and appeals for compensation, pensions, and related benefits.
• Determine eligibility and ensure claims are processed accurately under applicable laws.
• Provide guidance to clerical staff and coordinate office operations.
• Work at Clearwater and St. Petersburg locations; may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Refer veterans to federal, state, and local agencies as required.

Skills

Interview veterans

Counseling

Claims processing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Location: 501 1st Ave North Suite 514 St. Petersburg, FL, must be able to work Countywide.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with some weekend and after hours work in conjunction with Community Outreach. Remote opportunity.

Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, and want to assist veterans navigate their benefits and entitlements? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If you answered yes, we have a great opportunity for you!

This is specialized work assisting veterans and their dependents in accessing authorized benefits and entitlements. Employees interview and counsel veterans and their dependents, process claims and appeals, determine eligibility, and provide guidance throughout the benefits process. The position may also lead and guide clerical staff in coordinating office operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process claims, appeals, and questionnaires related to compensation, pension, hospitalization, insurance, outpatient treatment, education, loans, rehabilitation, and other veteran benefits.
• Interview and counsel veterans and their dependents regarding available benefits and entitlements.
• Determine eligibility and ensure claims are processed accurately and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Manage assigned cases and exercise discretion in prioritizing time and resources.
• Provide guidance and direction to clerical staff, as assigned.
• Work at Clearwater and St. Petersburg locations.
• Work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

What You Would Do?

• Interview, counsel and assist veterans and their dependents in applying for compensation, disability claims, pensions, death benefits, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, insurance and other entitlements.
• Answer inquiries regarding the interpretation of laws, rules and regulations regarding veterans’ benefits and entitlements.
• Assist children of veterans killed or disabled in action in applying for educational benefits under appropriate regulations.
• Make field visits to incapacitated applicants to initiate or follow up claims or actions.
• Refer veterans and their dependents to other federal, state and local agencies for services as required.
• Maintain liaison with other agencies and organizations involved with veterans and their affairs and prepares and makes presentations before civic and veterans’ organizations regarding veterans affairs.
• Train clerical staff in procedural and policy matters.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need?

Must be a veteran (or the surviving spouse of a veteran) and meet the requirements in Title 38, U.S. Code and Florida Statute 292.11 applicable to Florida County Veteran Service Officers.

Experience & Education:

• High school or equivalency diploma (GED) and 4 years of administrative experience; or
• Associate’s degree and 2+ years of experience.
• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree and some experience.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must receive VSO certification within the first year of employment.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License.
• Remote Work Policy: This position requires employees to live within a 60-mile radius of Pinellas County and maintain the ability to report to the assigned worksite as needed. If you relocate outside the required 60-mile radius, you must receive advance approval from the County Administrator. Failure to meet this requirement may affect your continued eligibility for the position.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable:

• Certified by Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs and the Florida Association of County Veteran's Service Officer
• Credentialed by VBA Office of General Council (OCG number).
• Possess a current PIV card.
• Accredited as a Service Officer Representative with FDVA, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans or other VSO.
• Knowledgeable of laws and regulations pertaining to veterans' benefits and the standard policies for processing claims under appropriate laws. Ability to communicate effectively with customers and in front of a public audience.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.