Veterans Service Officer

County of Berks•Wyomissing, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: This position provides services to Berks County veterans, their widows, dependents, and orphans. The position is responsible for assisting and coordinating information and programs for veterans. Responsibilities include performing a variety of administrative tasks, as well as providing benefits services to veterans and the public. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions Counsels and assists veterans and/or their eligible family members to provide information on their entitlement to VA benefits. Prepares and submits benefits claims on behalf of veterans and/or their eligible family members to appropriate agencies. Establishes, maintains, and reviews the case files in terms of assistance needed and provided. Maintains and updates veteran information in various software programs and in the veteran’s files. Coordinates and disseminates information on County, State, Federal, and private veterans’ programs and benefits. Works in conjunction with State and Federal veteran offices and with local veterans’ organizations to assist veterans. Answers the phones, greets, and provides assistance/answers to inquiries and walk-in clients. Coordinates County and Federal burial applications. Coordinates and maintains schedules of veterans needing transportation and makes arrangements for volunteer drivers. Provides administrative assistance to the Director of Veterans Affairs. Follows and implements records management and archival guidelines for the department’s documents and publications. All other duties as assigned. Non-Essential Functions Develops content for the Veterans Affairs and associated websites, then coordinates updates with technical specialists. Maintains the office military museum. Attends various training events and meetings, as directed. Prepares a continuity plan for assigned responsibilities in the event of absence.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
One (1) year of experience in advanced office administration.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required to obtain and maintain accreditation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs with training sponsored by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs within one year of assignment to the position.
Veterans Status Required.
Knowledge of County, State, and Federal veterans’ programs, benefits, and procedures.
Knowledge of local veterans’ organizations, programs, and community resources.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing veterans’ services and assistance.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local HIPAA regulations and policies pertaining to the protection of personal health information.
Ability to communicate and express ideas and maintain a professional atmosphere with clients and co-workers.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with officials and representatives of state, federal, and community agencies, veterans, families, and the public.
Ability to work in a fast-paced working environment and the ability to multitask.
Ability to operate general office equipment and perform routine clerical work.
Ability to type at a speed of 47 WPM from clear copy with 85% accuracy.
Knowledge of office administration methods, practices, and procedures, and the ability to make arithmetic calculations.
Skill in the operation of a variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to handle stress.
Physical presence in the office is required.
The position requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods and to lift and carry files and office documents weighing up to 20 lbs.
Incumbent needs access to transportation.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree preferred in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Business Administration/Management.

Responsibilities

Counsels and assists veterans and/or their eligible family members to provide information on their entitlement to VA benefits.
Prepares and submits benefits claims on behalf of veterans and/or their eligible family members to appropriate agencies.
Establishes, maintains, and reviews the case files in terms of assistance needed and provided.
Maintains and updates veteran information in various software programs and in the veteran’s files.
Coordinates and disseminates information on County, State, Federal, and private veterans’ programs and benefits.
Works in conjunction with State and Federal veteran offices and with local veterans’ organizations to assist veterans.
Answers the phones, greets, and provides assistance/answers to inquiries and walk-in clients.
Coordinates County and Federal burial applications.
Coordinates and maintains schedules of veterans needing transportation and makes arrangements for volunteer drivers.
Provides administrative assistance to the Director of Veterans Affairs.
Follows and implements records management and archival guidelines for the department’s documents and publications.
Develops content for the Veterans Affairs and associated websites, then coordinates updates with technical specialists.
Maintains the office military museum.
Attends various training events and meetings, as directed.
Prepares a continuity plan for assigned responsibilities in the event of absence.