Assistant VSO

Hamilton County•Noblesville, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent serves as full-time Assistant Veteran Service Officer for Veterans' Services, responsible for providing assistance and information to eligible veterans, their spouses, dependents and/or survivors.

Requirements

Must be an Honorably Discharged Veteran and a citizen of the United States and Indiana.
Minimum two years (2) related experience and/or training as an office assistant, with a minimum one (1) year of experience in working with the Department of Veteran Affairs preferred.
Ability to pass a Department of Veteran’s Affairs background check to access DVA databases.
Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) accreditation within one (1) year of employment.
Working knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, procedures and legal aspects of phases regarding Veterans Administration benefits and service programs, and ability to explain such policies to meet the needs of veterans.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, veterans and their spouses/dependents/survivors, personnel from state and federal Veterans Services Offices, state and local service providers, DFAS, Funeral Home personnel, medical professionals, legal professionals, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.
Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out oral or written instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences in data, compile, collate, or classify data, analyze and evaluate data, and make determinations based on data analyses.
Ability to work on several tasks at the same time often amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, and ensure deadlines are met.
Ability to meet all hiring requirements including completion of oral and written examinations for certification/recertification.
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and computer software applications used by the department, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.
Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence and complete a variety of forms.
Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete department files/records.
Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, postage meter, and multiline telephone.
Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of federal and state veterans' benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence and reports, and maintain department files/records.
Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County personnel, veterans, their spouses, dependents and/or survivors, DVA and IDVA personnel, community service agencies, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, such as computer, printer, copier, calculator, telephone/switchboard, transcriber, and fax machine.
Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.
Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one (1) year of experience in working with the Department of Veteran Affairs preferred.

Responsibilities

Answers telephone and greets office visitors, determining nature of call/visit, providing information and assistance, answering questions, taking messages and/or directing individual to appropriate office or department.
Schedules appointments with VSO or DVSO for further assistance as needed.
Assists veterans, their spouses, dependents and/or survivors with filing applications/claims for benefits including interviewing, evaluating needs, providing information and literature, providing counseling, and completing application forms.
Forwards completed application forms to Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) or other appropriate agencies.
Assists in obtaining supporting evidence for benefit applications as needed, such as birth and/or death certificates, marriage/divorce records, military service and medical records.
Assists in filing appeals or reconsiderations of unfavorable Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) decisions.
Performs various clerical and/or administrative support duties, such as preparing mailing/faxing, filing documents, copying documents, entering data into computer, scanning and saving documents on computer, and assisting in preparation of annual reports for county regarding office activities
Enters application information on computer as needed to submit/track claim(s).
Maintains confidential records for each client or other dependent personnel.
Enters data on computer, maintains log of assistance provided to veterans, and prepares and submits activity summaries and statistical reports to Veteran Service Officer as required.
Assists funeral directors in obtaining information regarding deceased veterans, and responds to other telephone inquiries, including researching, copying and mailing information and records, and making referrals to other community resources as needed.
Provides services in various locations to accommodate special needs of clients including hospitals, detention facilities, nursing homes, and residences.
Communicates with Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) personnel as needed, inquiring about delayed benefits, resolving conflicts, and determining appropriate procedures and actions.
Maintains current knowledge of regulations governing veteran benefits, maintaining inventory of current reference materials, and distributing brochures, forms, applications and related materials to local community organizations and individuals.
Assists veterans with new job opportunities through Indiana Department of Veterans Affair/Workforce Development, and Department of Veteran Affairs.
Attends annual recertification training as required.
Performs related duties as assigned.