Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

About The Position

The Assistant Veterans Services Officer provides administrative support to Veterans Services Officers and the division, helping veterans, dependents, and survivors access benefits under federal and state statutes. The role supports service coordination, client intake and scheduling, documentation, and communications to promote efficient operations and client assistance. The position requires attendance at the Veterans Service Officer training course after appointment, successful completion of its test for FDVA accreditation and access to the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), and passing the FDVA examination during the initial six-month probationary period. Periodic refresher courses and accreditation examinations are also required. The employee must provide daily transportation, maintain the required minimum PIP insurance for work duties, and be available to work at locations throughout Polk County. Employees may be required to work before, during, or after emergencies and may be temporarily assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside their normal arrangements.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma, and have two years of experience in customer service or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
Must be a veteran who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, as defined in Title 38, U.S.C.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment in this classification.
Must attend the Veterans Service Officer training course upon appointment and pass its test to receive FDVA accreditation and access to VBMS.
Must pass the FDVA examination during the initial six-month probationary period or may be subject to termination.
Must attend periodic refresher training and successfully complete required courses and accreditation examinations administered by national service organizations.
Must provide daily transportation and maintain at least the minimum PIP insurance required for work duties.
Must be available to work at various locations throughout Polk County.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing veterans’ benefits under federal and state statutes, and of federal directives and current issues concerning veterans.
Skills in typing, editing, and composing professional documents; using Microsoft Windows-based systems and multi-application software; and operating document management and video conferencing software.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with veterans, family members, agencies, and the public; and independently use computer-based programs such as Adobe Pro and VetPro.
Ability to lift, move, or maneuver equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
Proof of military service (DD214) must be provided before the posting’s closing date for veterans’ preference consideration.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-person and telephone prescreening interviews with veterans and dependents to determine eligibility and service needs.
Assist clients with completing statements and forms, including e-benefits applications.
Refer clients to appropriate agencies and coordinate appointments with Veterans Services Officers.
Coordinate services with the Department of Veterans Affairs and public and nonprofit organizations for eligible clients.
Respond to inquiries and provide customer assistance through multiple communication channels.
Schedule appointments and maintain calendars for Veterans Services Officers.
Establish and maintain organized administrative and general records.
Compose, edit, and type correspondence, memos, reports, emails, and official documents.
Perform general clerical tasks, including vendor communication and internal coordination.
Maintain and update databases using multi-application computer programs.
Enter and manage data using Adobe Pro, VetPro, and document management platforms.
Attend training workshops and seminars to remain current on federal regulations, policies, and veterans’ issues.
Participate in the County’s Disaster Preparedness Plan as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Work before, during, or after emergencies and, when needed, perform duties outside the normal scope of the position, location, or schedule.