Idva-Field Veterans' Service Officer (Morgan)

State of Illinois•Jacksonville, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports veterans and their families by helping them understand and access the benefits and services available to them. It involves working one-on-one with individuals, guiding them through claims and answering questions in a clear and supportive way. The position also connects with community partners and represents the department at local events to share information and resources. We encourage all who are interested in supporting veterans and their families to apply! Under direction, acts as Service Officer for the Field Services Division within the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs whilst managing the operation of a field office, with emphasis on claims and the origination of appeals. Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents regarding applicable benefits. Serves as liaison with various county, state, and federal agencies, in establishing veterans entitlements to benefits, resources and services. Represents the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs at various community affairs and public events, explaining the functions of the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs. Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans' Service Officers. Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years college with emphasis in business administration or public administration.
Requires an honorable discharge from service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
The veteran must have served during a time of hostilities with a foreign country, and must meet one or more of the following conditions: (i) The veteran must have served a total of at least 6 months. (ii) The veteran served for the duration of hostilities regardless of the length of engagement. (iii) The veteran was discharged on the basis of hardship. (iv) The veteran was released from active duty because of a service-connected disability and was discharged under honorable conditions.
Requires one year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work, or other work involving extensive public contact.
Requires ability to pass a background check.
Requires ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related policies and guidance.
Requires ability to obtain Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) of Claims certification and maintain required training throughout employment.
Employees must obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation within their probationary period. Failure to achieve accreditation will result in termination of employment.
Requires re-accreditation every 5 years while fulfilling the duties of a Veterans Service Officer. Failure to maintain accreditation will be grounds to commence progressive discipline.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Requires appropriate, valid drivers license.
Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of the department's veterans' programs and the operating policies and procedures.
Extensive knowledge of the benefits and services available to veterans, their spouses and family, and the federal and state laws and regulations governing their administration.
Working knowledge of office management skills and techniques.
Prefers one (1) year of experience managing an office efficiently and effectively, to provide services to military personnel, veterans, their dependents and/or survivors, and to maintain records as required by the agency or organization.
Prefers one (1) year of experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, veterans, dependents, community organizations and other stakeholders in the veteran community.
Prefers one (1) year of experience preparing and presenting topical speeches to veterans' groups and other interested parties.
Prefers one (1) year of experience explaining federal and state veterans' legislation to the public.
Prefers one (1) year of experience analyzing and interpreting service records, private medical records, and reports in terms of establishing entitlement to Veteran's Administration benefits.
Prefers one (1) year of experience examining, interpreting and explaining complex decisions affecting clientele regarding claims issues, and appropriately advising them of their responsibility in relation to benefit awards.
Prefers one (1) year of experience making informed decisions in accordance with the laws of the federal and state government governing veterans' benefits and services and expressing related ideas clearly in written and/or oral form.

Responsibilities

Acts as Service Officer for the Field Services Division within the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs whilst managing the operation of a field office, with emphasis on claims and the origination of appeals.
Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents regarding applicable benefits.
Serves as liaison with various county, state, and federal agencies, in establishing veterans entitlements to benefits, resources and services.
Represents the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs at various community affairs and public events, explaining the functions of the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans' Service Officers.
Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above.