STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER - 50009414

State of Florida • BAY PINES, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is hiring a State Veterans’ Service Officer for the VA Regional Office, Bureau of Claims Services, in Bay Pines, Pinellas County. The position reviews and interprets laws, rules, and regulations affecting veterans’ entitlements and helps veterans apply for state and federal benefits. It meets with, interviews, and counsels claimants; prepares and submits claims; and conducts and prepares for hearings with VA representatives, Decision Review Officers, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

The officer enters client information and completes documents in the Department’s Vetraspec system, protects private medical and claims information, and communicates with VA regional office personnel. The role also responds to inquiries from veterans, service officers, and officials; represents the Department at community and military events; may deploy to assist during state emergencies; and offers veterans the opportunity to register to vote. Other duties may be assigned in support of the Department’s goals and mission.

Requirements

• Must have served in the United States Armed Forces and been separated under honorable conditions.
• Must submit DD-214 Member Copy #4 and supplemental documentation supporting the claimed category with the application.
• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university; an E-5 or above rank may substitute. Direct experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Five years of experience in counseling, interviewing, public or business administration, or handling veterans’ affairs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Successful completion of the due diligence process, including a Level II background check and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Service Officer experience in counseling, interviewing, or handling veterans’ affairs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency with web-based applications and work-related internet research.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret Veterans’ Administration laws, rules, and regulations affecting veterans’ entitlements and applications for state and federal benefits.
• Meet, interview, and counsel veterans, obtain information, and prepare and submit claims.
• Conduct personal hearings with VA representatives, Decision Review Officers, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals; prepare for hearings, notify claimants, and complete hearing worksheets.
• Complete forms and documents in the Department’s Vetraspec system, including entering client information into the database.
• Protect private medical and claims information in accordance with applicable regulations and statutes.
• Maintain contact with VA regional office personnel regarding requests and claims.
• Respond to telephone and written inquiries from post and county service officers, veterans, and officials from other states about veterans’ benefits administration within the local agency’s jurisdiction.
• Represent the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by providing information and briefings on state and federal veterans’ benefits at local events, military bases, medical center meetings, community fairs, homeless stand-downs, and other events as determined by the supervisor and Department.
• Deploy and provide assistance during state emergencies, including at disaster recovery centers after natural disasters.
• Offer all veterans the opportunity to apply for voter registration.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor and Bureau Chief in support of the Department’s goals, objectives, and mission.

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 one 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: Associate degree