Veterans Services Officer, DMVA

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Lebanon County, PA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

If you are passionate about improving the lives of veterans and their families, consider becoming a Veteran Services Officer with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) in our Lickdale Outreach Center, Jonestown. In this role, you will work closely with veterans and dedicated advocates to meet their needs and provide crucial support and guidance through outreach, intake, and counseling. By offering your expertise and assistance in accessing essential benefits, you will play a vital role in positively impacting the lives of those who have served our country. If you are dedicated to advocating for veterans and their well-being, this is an ideal opportunity for you! This position plays a key part in helping Pennsylvania veterans and their beneficiaries understand and access important benefits. It supports statewide outreach efforts and provides direct assistance at the Fort Indiantown Gap office to support and serve veterans by guiding them through the process of filing and submitting for benefits.

Requirements

• One year as a Veterans Services Specialist, DMVA (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration)
• Five years of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefits or services programs
• One year of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefits or services programs and a bachelor's degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field
• An equivalent combination of experience and training
• Possess valid accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a veterans service officer or eligibility for accreditation within one year from the date of employment
• Possess a valid federal or state-issued photo ID
• Pass a favorable NCIC screening for admittance to Fort Indiantown Gap
• Able to perform essential job functions

Nice To Haves

• Experience with veterans benefits and services programs
• Experience in identifying available or potential resources that can provide veterans with services
• Experience using data to determine benefits eligibility
• Experience identifying and promoting veteran benefits and services to the public, community partners and federal, state, and local providers through formal or informal meetings, events, consultations and speaking engagements
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial class C driver's license or equivalent
• Willingness to travel which may require overnight stays on short notice
• Experience in marketing and planning shows and working with exhibitions
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques used to gather information for public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Responsibilities

• Explain eligibility requirements, and available state benefit programs to veterans and beneficiaries
• Gather needed information from claimants and respond to questions about claims and the claims process
• Travel with the outreach team to conduct claims intake and share information about state and federal benefits
• Help plan and prepare for outreach trips by arranging logistics and organizing schedules
• Communicate with county directors, service organizations, and partners to support military service verification activities
• Search official databases to confirm military service details and character of service

Benefits

• Telework opportunity part-time (5 days out of 10 days in a pay period)
• Opportunity to work from home (telework) if securely configured high-speed internet connection and approved location inside Pennsylvania are available
• Option to report to the headquarters office in Jonestown if unable to telework
• Employment preference for qualified veterans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level