Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Allen County Government•Fort Wayne, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Veterans Service Officer, the Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) is responsible for providing assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents regarding and any and all benefit entitlements from county, state and federal agencies set forth by law. This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED and two years related experience and/or training working with veterans
Ability to obtain and maintain accreditation through the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs
Must be an honorably discharged veteran who has at least six (6) months active service in the armed forces of the United States. Must have DD 214.
Knowledge of Federal and State Veteran’s benefits preferred
Valid Driver’s License to visit local hospitals, nursing homes, residences of veterans and/or their dependents, the local VET Center, Employment Office, VA Medical Center, and other agencies throughout Allen County
Ability to perform work in a high stress, fast-paced office environment in order to handle a large volume of in-office visits and phone calls
Strong computer skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software
Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, representatives of regional Veterans Administration and to complete appropriate reports in a timely manner
Ability to counsel individuals under tremendous emotional distress

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Federal and State Veteran’s benefits preferred

Responsibilities

Provides technical assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors, and local government agencies by responding to inquiries and providing necessary information.
Assists eligible veterans in procurement and proper completion of federal veteran’s benefit application forms and researches and determines applicable laws, eligibility requirements and claim status, as necessary.
Responsible for processing benefit claims and various Department of Defense (DOD) applications, ensuring Federal and State regulations are followed.
Serves as a liaison for all veterans’ related issues.
Counsels veterans, dependents, and survivors in determining benefits for which the individual may qualify. Explains policies and procedures and provides information and resources.
Locates and obtains various documents, such as birth/death records, marriage licenses, discharge documents, medical evidence from military and civilian sources, based upon information received from the client.
Conducts visits to local hospitals, nursing homes, and residences for veterans and dependents that are unable to travel.
Visits the local VET Center, Employment Office, VA Medical Center, and other agencies throughout Allen County, staying current on information regarding veteran benefits, as well as current Federal and State legislative issues regarding veterans.
Screens incoming claims for State veteran burial benefits to ensure entitlement, inputs data and composes correspondence, and requests Presidential Memorial Certificates for next of kin.
Maintains files of claimants, assistance provided, and hours worked and prepares monthly reports of department activities for County officials and State veteran’s administration.
Maintains inventory of necessary applications and related forms and literature, ordering materials as needed.
Attends Veterans Service Officer meeting and training seminars as required by Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
Attends veterans’ organization and related meetings, representing Allen County as designated, and integrating and distributing information pertaining to state and federal veteran’s benefits as requested.
Provides assistance to local government agencies and assists veteran’s organizations as requested.
Makes presentations to various veteran and civic groups throughout the year.
Performs all other duties as assigned.