Veterans Services Officer

State of North Carolina•Charlotte, NC

2d•$39,671 - $69,426•Onsite

About The Position

The NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs / Veterans Affairs Division, in accordance with Chapter 143, General Statues of North Carolina – assists Veterans, their families, and their dependents in obtaining or maintaining privileges, rights, and benefits to which they are entitled under Federal State or Local laws. This position is engaged in obtaining, compiling, and presenting information pertaining to claims for benefits allowable to veterans and their dependents. This position assists veterans and their dependents by first assessing their needs and then taking appropriate action to file all available benefits on their behalf. Position serves as a liaison between the State Division of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and coordinating the activities of Veterans Service Officers with various divisions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Work is performed within the framework of State and Federal Laws, rules and regulations and is reviewed through conferences and periodic written reports. Position's work includes working on difficult cases which may include contacting the Department of Social Services, contacting lawyers, doctors, other professionals and the general public in obtaining information needed when working as the claimant's advocate. Work in this position involves quasi-legal assistance to veterans and their dependents in securing benefits under the laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Position also requires some travel to counties and districts, to include public appearances, as well as interacting with veteran's organizations and federal officials. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Documented experience gathering supporting documentary evidence and presenting claims.
Documented experience with State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to veteran's services and benefits and functioning's of the Veterans Administration.
Documented experience with interviewing skills to recognize the needs of veterans and their dependents, determine the course of action to be followed, and pursue action to a justifiable conclusion.
Documented experience leading a group of Counselors/ Veteran services officers
Demonstrated experience working with Microsoft Office.
Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in veterans' services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must attach a DD form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with your application if seeking Veteran's Preference.
Must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application if seeking National Guard Preference.
All required competencies, work history and credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application form to receive consideration during the selection process.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.
All employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.
Must participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Nice To Haves

Documented experience as a Veterans Advocate

Responsibilities

Assisting and coordinating with other Veterans Service Officers (VSO's), Veterans Service Technicians (VST's) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO's) and assisting CVSO's when needed.
Reviewing and interpreting current legislation and regulations.
Determining validity of benefits claims.
Presenting claim briefs before the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Reviewing the Board's decision for grounds for appeal.
Participating in civic functions to inform the public of services provided to veterans and the rights of their dependents.
Contacting the Department of Social Services, lawyers, doctors, other professionals and the general public in obtaining information needed when working as the claimant's advocate.
Traveling to counties and districts, to include public appearances, as well as interacting with veteran's organizations and federal officials.
Performing other duties as assigned.