Veteran Services Officer

Van Buren County•Paw Paw, MI

12d•$23 - $31

About The Position

Counsels, advises, and assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits provided for them by County, State, and Federal Law. Acts as an advocate and case manager for veterans in need of such services. Assists the director of the office as needed to advocate, educate and grow the programs for Veterans in Van Buren County. This position reports to the Veterans’ Services Director.

Requirements

Must possess impeccable Customer Service Experience
Must possess a thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing the provision of veterans’ services.
Exceptional planning, prioritization and organizational skills accompanied by strong attention to detail.
Skilled in preparing and writing reports and presentations.
Strong planning, prioritization and organizational skills accompanied by strong attention to detail.
Skilled in preparing reports and presentations.
Ability to deliver excellent oral and written communication skills in a manner appropriate to the audience.
Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Adobe, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to complete work online, in the field or in a remote environment.
Skill in managing a budget.
Work independently and with and team.
Excellent customer service skills.
Associates Degree and one to three years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in veterans’ services, human relations, social service fields or business.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Veterans’ Services Officers must complete the National Association of County Veterans’ Service Officer training and Department of Veterans' Services certification process within one (1) year of their initial hire date and continuing Education Units (CEU's) every year thereafter.
Must be willing to travel as needed.
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen.
Applicant must complete County application form.

Nice To Haves

Service in the Armed Forces of the United States, with a discharge under honorable conditions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews of Veterans and/or their dependents and widows and advises them of their rights under County, State and Federal law.
Provides referrals to other agencies to help meet the needs of the clients that cannot be met by the available benefits.
Monitors progress of such referrals to ensure services are coordinated and received.
Provides assistance and/or files claims for Veterans' benefits. Specifically, VA Health Care, Compensation Claims, Appeals, Aid and Attendance Claims, Care Giver Claims, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims, Burial Services and Pensions. Monitors all claims filed to assure compliance with all State and Federal law.
Provides assistance to Veterans and dependents in the preparation and follow-up of applications for State and Federal benefits.
Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records from physicians to support claims.
Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information as needed.
Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death information.
Apply for benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
Assist a veteran, or the eligible survivor of a veteran, in obtaining Veterans’ Administration home loan benefits.
Ensure timelines are met to expedite benefit claims.
Assist veterans/dependents in appealing denied claims.
Establishes and maintains confidential client files.
Develops and maintains professional relationships with local agencies serving Veterans including: Veterans Administration, Senior and Disabled Services, Adult and Family Services, Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs and others service organizations.
Maintains current Veterans publications such as Federal, State and County information and instructions and resource material on V.A. Medical Centers, outpatient clinics and their programs.
Coordinates with Van Buren County Transit Veterans’ transportation program to provide services as needed.
Composes correspondence and reports regarding inquiries on other Veterans related matters.
Assists with grant submissions and reporting requirements.
Orders supplies and services for the Veterans’ Services Office.
Executes an outreach program to provide services to Veterans and their dependents particularly in senior living/adult care facilities in Van Buren County.
Assist in Management of Emotional Support Animal Program.
Assist in the management and execution of the Van Buren County Horticulture Program.
Assist in the Execution of the Veterans Standdown in the Fall.