Veterans Services Officer - Mobile South

State of Maine•Portland, OR

3d•$59,987 - $84,718

About The Position

This is professional services work overseeing day-to-day operations of an assigned field office and multiple itinerant offices; advising and advocating for veterans, members of the armed services, their families, dependents, and survivors; and providing technical assistance to obtain federal, state, regional, and local veterans benefits and services. The position develops and files claims and advocates for eligible military benefits and services, including pension, compensation, education, housing, financial assistance, and medical care. Work also involves supervising staff, evaluating and verifying information, determining eligibility, and leading appeal strategies and activities. Work is performed under limited supervision. The position is with the Department of Defense, Veterans' and Emergency Management, in Portland, Maine. The job is classified as Job Class Code 0831, Grade 25 (Supervisory Services).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, a Social Services/Behavioral Science area, or a related field, plus two years of experience directly providing or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work. Equivalent work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Must have served on active duty during a federally recognized period of conflict, as defined in Section 504, Title 37B, MRSA.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques; VA and community programs and services; veterans benefits and claims application procedures; Department rules, regulations, and operating procedures; terminology related to disabilities and illnesses in veterans' claims; State Veterans Assistance programs; supervisory techniques and office management; eligibility and application criteria for federal and state veterans' assistance; assistance agencies and services; the VA appeals process; and the principles and objectives of veterans benefits programs.
Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with trauma victims and hostile, distraught, or depressed clients.
Ability to prepare well-grounded briefs; prepare and present case facts, evidence, and testimony; and examine witnesses.
Ability to establish and maintain community partnerships, use applicable computer programs, and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to communicate effectively, write clearly, conduct applicant interviews and obtain pertinent information, and prepare and maintain records and case files.
Before attaining permanent status, must complete State of Maine and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs TRIP training, National Veterans Legal Services Program requirements, fingerprinting, and a federal background check.

Responsibilities

Initiate or update client management software and monitor cases to identify problems, determine case status, and ensure timely review of disputed and undisputed claims.
Interview and advise veterans and dependents, provide information, and determine eligibility for federal and state veterans programs and services.
Develop, assess, and evaluate testimony and documents in preparation for formal hearing proceedings.
Write well-grounded appeal briefs supporting veterans' positions on contested cases.
Represent veterans or dependents at appeal hearings and present claimants' arguments.
Evaluate VA claim determinations for compliance with federal and state rulings, improve submission detail, and initiate claim negotiations to support fair outcomes and protect veterans' rights and entitlements.
Administer an assigned field office and multiple itinerant offices, ensuring consistent application of applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
Advise and advocate for applicants regarding income, housing, health, education, and family circumstances.
Identify resources and prepare claims to guide veterans and dependents in applying for and obtaining benefits and services.
Gather and analyze information and document detailed case histories to support reports and authorize grants for aid.
Establish and maintain partnerships with agencies and community organizations to develop resources and promote the agency mission.
Represent the agency before veterans groups, committees, and public forums to exchange information and promote veterans programs, benefits, and services.
Research laws, regulations, policies, and precedent-setting decisions to prepare documentation supporting complex and sensitive claims.
Implement, administer, and comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices, including equal opportunity, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, communication systems, and employee safety.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
The State pays 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; a premium credit can reduce employee-only premiums by 5% for participants who meet program requirements.
The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
The State contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance through the Living Resources Program.
Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.