STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER - 50000973

State of Florida • BAY PINES, FL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The State Veterans' Service Officer works in the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Bureau of Field Services at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Pinellas County. The role performs administrative and professional duties in medical clinic and vet center settings, interviewing veterans and family members and preparing and submitting claims for federal and state benefits.

The officer advocates for Florida veterans by counseling clients, reviewing eligibility, using VA data systems, and helping prepare claims, appeals, waivers, and hearing requests. The role interprets laws and regulations, responds to inquiries, processes correspondence, enters client information into departmental systems, and may visit newly admitted patients within 48 hours of a request.

The officer coordinates with VA and medical-center staff, helps obtain supporting medical information, protects confidential information, and provides briefings and outreach at community and military events. Other duties include assisting with State Veterans’ Nursing Home applications, supporting National Guard and military units in the area, participating in emergency response and public events, and performing related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and separated with an honorable discharge; a DD-214 Member Copy 4 or comparable document must accompany the application.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to deal effectively and professionally with diverse individuals.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Successful completion of the due diligence process, including a Level II background check and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of employment experience as a Veterans Service Officer or in a comparable role counseling and handling veterans’ affairs.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; E-7 or above rank may substitute for the education requirement, and direct experience may substitute for the degree year for year.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in web-based applications and specialized internet research.
• Experience with FDVA Vetra-Spec and VA VMBS program applications.

Responsibilities

• Interview veterans and family members, counsel them, gather information, and prepare and submit claims for federal and state benefits.
• Assist with preparing and perfecting appeals, representation at fee-basis and hardship eligibility hearings, requests for waivers, military discharge review hearings, and VA Regional Office hearings.
• Review and interpret VA laws, rules, and regulations related to veterans’ benefits and entitlements.
• Respond accurately to telephone and written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, and veterans’ service organizations and officers.
• Provide information about benefit-administration problems with the local agency of jurisdiction, and process daily incoming mail and correspondence.
• Complete forms and documents using departmental systems and enter client information into the computer database.
• When assigned to a medical center or hospital, visit new admissions within 48 hours when requested by the veteran or health care provider.
• Assist accredited organizations and state and county representatives in obtaining medical information to support benefit claims.
• Maintain liaison with VA outpatient staff and coordinate with clinic, service center, and medical-center staff on case development, treatment, and claims advocacy.
• Safeguard private medical and claims information in accordance with applicable regulations and statutes.
• Represent FDVA at local events, military bases, medical-center meetings, community fairs, committees, advisory boards, and consumer service programs.
• Deploy and provide assistance during state emergencies, including at disaster recovery centers after natural disasters.
• Assist veterans applying for admission to State Veterans’ Nursing Homes by preparing forms, collecting signatures and information, verifying eligibility and financial data, and assisting family members with benefits.
• Visit and provide on-site assistance to Florida National Guard units in the geographic area, including preparing and submitting claims.
• Maintain contact with Guard and Reserve units and active military installations in the geographic area.
• Attend conferences, outreach events, seminars, and instruction programs, and serve as an instructor or speaker when requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package.
• Optional deferred compensation plan.
• Health, vision, dental, disability, and other supplemental insurance available at reasonable premium rates.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and a personal day.
• Tuition waiver for State Universities and Community Colleges, up to six credits per semester.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed