Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Polk County • Bartow, FL

1d

About The Position

The Assistant Veterans Services Officer provides administrative support to Veterans Services Officers and the Veterans Services division, helping veterans, dependents, and survivors access benefits under federal and state statutes. The role supports service coordination, client intake and scheduling, documentation, communications, and the efficient operation of the division.

The position includes conducting prescreening interviews, helping clients complete forms and applications, making referrals, coordinating appointments and services with government agencies and public and nonprofit organizations, and responding to inquiries. It also involves maintaining calendars and records, preparing correspondence and reports, performing clerical work, and updating databases and document-management systems. The employee attends training to remain current on regulations, policies, and veterans’ issues, participates in the County’s Disaster Preparedness Plan as required, and performs related duties as assigned.

The employee must attend the Veterans Service Officer training course after appointment and pass the required FDVA examination during the initial six-month probationary period to receive accreditation and access VBMS. The employee must attend periodic refresher training and pass required courses and accreditation examinations. The position requires a veteran with qualifying military service, a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a Florida driver’s license at employment, personal transportation and required PIP insurance, and availability 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 scope.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• 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 within this classification.
• Must attend the Veterans Service Officer training course upon appointment and pass the course test to receive FDVA accreditation and access VBMS.
• Must pass the FDVA examination during the initial six-month probationary period; failure may result in termination.
• Must attend periodic refresher courses and successfully complete required courses and accreditation examinations administered by national service organizations.
• Must provide own daily transportation and maintain at least the minimum personal injury protection (PIP) insurance required for work duties.
• Must be available to work at various locations throughout Polk County.
• Must be able to work before, during, or after an emergency and may be temporarily assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside the normal scope of the position.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing veterans’ benefits under federal and state statutes.
• Knowledge of federal directives and current issues concerning veterans.
• Skills in typing, editing, and composing professional documents.
• Skills using Microsoft Windows-based systems and multi-application software.
• Skills operating document-management and video-conferencing software.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with veterans, family members, agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to independently use computer-based programs such as Adobe Pro and VetPro.
• Ability to lift, move, or maneuver equipment and/or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person and telephone prescreening interviews with veterans and dependents to determine eligibility and service needs.
• Assist clients with completing statements, forms, and 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.
• Provide customer assistance and respond to inquiries 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 other 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 stay current with federal regulations, policies, and veterans’ issues.
• Participate in the County’s Disaster Preparedness Plan as required.
• Attend required Veterans Service Officer training and refresher courses and successfully complete examinations and accreditation requirements.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED