Veterans Services Officer

City of Jacksonville•Jacksonville, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is professional work in providing assistance to veterans and their dependents or qualified beneficiaries in presenting claims for, applying for, and/or drafting appeals of denials of benefits, social services, or public assistance in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. The work requires a basic understanding and application of theories, principles, and practices of social services usually gained through degree granting schools, or an equivalent level of practical knowledge gained through experience. Contacts with clients require skills in understanding and influencing people which are important in providing client services. Skills of persuasiveness as well as sensitivity to others' points of view are often required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around. The work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures, and because of the changing priorities or different situations, incumbents have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence. The work involves differing situations requiring use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications. Work is performed primarily in an office environment though the employee may be required to make field visits to clients in order to provide or ascertain services needed. Employee may be required to work evenings, weekends or holidays in order to attend or participate in outreach programs, special events or public engagements. Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment such as a personal computer. The physical demands consist mainly of sitting or standing for extended periods of time, occasionally lifting and moving light objects, and visiting veterans who are homebound, in hospitals or in nursing homes. The work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures and well-defined policies, and the worker plans and organizes the work, determines their own priorities and the work is reviewed, usually after the fact, in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and for adherence to established methods, standards and policies.

Requirements

Five (5) years of education and/or experience in providing social services.
Two (2) years' experience providing benefits, services, or assistance to veterans, their dependents or qualified beneficiaries.
Must be an honorably discharged veteran of the U. S. Armed Forces.
A valid driver's license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class.
Must qualify for, obtain and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville Public Driver Certification.
Knowledge of theories, principles and practices of social work.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local veterans' benefits, social services and public assistance programs.
Knowledge of veterans, social services, and public assistance-related laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques, methods, and procedures.
Skill in interviewing and data-gathering techniques.
Skill in researching, analyzing, interpreting and applying veterans' benefits, social services, or public assistance-related federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to assess and determine the needs of a client and match such needs to federal, state, and local veterans' benefits, social services and public assistance programs for which the client may qualify.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to understand medical and legal terminology.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to develop and make presentations to large groups.
Ability to establish and maintain records.
Ability to make mathematical calculations.
Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other related software.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

VA 40 Hour Veterans Service Officer Certification must secure within six (6) months.
Certification and accreditation with applicable agencies for access to the Department of Veterans Affair’s database must be obtained within six (6) months.

Responsibilities

Interviews veterans, eligible individuals, representatives and other advocates to assess their needs and provide professional counsel on available services.
Represents veterans/claimants to determine eligibility of benefits and prepares and submits claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Analyzes claims, researches and corroborates all pertinent data and documentation utilizing independent judgment and entitlement criteria for the appropriate course of action for prosecution/application of complex veterans’ claims.
Prepares applications for veterans’ benefits, social services, and public assistance and ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Initiates actions to obtain the greatest possible benefit for the veteran/claimant.
Makes appropriate referrals to local, state or federal agencies for which a claimant may also be eligible for assistance.
Provides on-going case management throughout the claim process.
Research appropriate supporting documentation to prove evidence as needed to construct, research and prosecute the veteran/claimant's claim for benefits.
Prepares briefs for appeals to the Board of Veteran's Appeals; researches and cites applicable precedents and makes decisions concerning the appropriate course of action to pursue claims.
Plans, develops, and presents programs to large groups regarding veteran-related issues.
Monitors changes in veterans, social services, and public assistance related laws, rules, and regulations.
Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment such as a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other related software.
Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

Work/life balance
Four (4) weeks off during the first year of employment
Low and no cost health insurance options
Twelve (12) paid holidays
Personal leave day
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Flexible spending plans
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.