Veterans Services Officer

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division is seeking a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for its Great Falls Veteran Service Office. The position serves as a case manager for veterans’ benefits claims and manages veteran service operations in the office’s assigned outreach area. The VSO prepares, submits, and monitors claims and advocates for veterans and veteran family members throughout the claims process. The VSO assesses clients’ needs, identifies eligibility for benefits and services, and guides them through federal claims and appeals processes. The role also involves outreach, representing the agency at external events, tracking and reporting service statistics, and ensuring responsive service delivery in accordance with program guidelines and applicable laws and regulations. The position reports to the Great Falls Veteran Services Supervisor and is part of the Veterans Services Officer Career Ladder. Placement and advancement depend on performance, required certifications and accreditation, and minimum qualifications for each level. The position is based in a normal office environment in Great Falls and requires physical on-site work 80–100% of the time. It is telework eligible up to 20% of the time. Travel is required about 10% of the time, including in-person annual training, typically held in Helena for one week. Applicants must maintain formal accreditation and certification with pertinent nationally recognized veterans’ service organizations and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. A fingerprint background check and background check are required, as are a valid Montana driver’s license and a good driving record. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with the online state application.

Requirements

Associate degree in office management, medical terminology, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
One year of experience in case management, benefits and claim processing, and/or military service with an emphasis on management services.
Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.
Maintain formal accreditation and certification status with pertinent, nationally recognized veterans’ service organizations and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs; revocation may be grounds for dismissal.
Pass a fingerprint background check and background check.
Maintain a good driving record and a valid Montana driver’s license.
Submit a cover letter and resume with the online state application.
Ability to work physically on-site in the office 80–100% of the time.
Ability to work at a computer for 8 or more hours at a time as needed.
Ability to accommodate workload fluctuations that may require more than a 40-hour workweek.

Responsibilities

Track, analyze, and report monthly, quarterly, and annual statistics, including claims production, financial impact, administrative data, and demographic information.
Assess veterans’ individual needs and circumstances to identify eligibility for benefits, services, and entitlements.
Establish and manage veterans’ cases through all stages of the claims process, ensuring timely follow-up and accurate documentation.
Research and review medical records, prior claims, and supporting documentation to identify additional or alternative benefits and substantiate claims.
Prepare, review, and submit claims for federal processing; conduct quality assurance checks for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
Represent veterans in the appeals process by interpreting and presenting information to support claims for available benefits and entitlements.
Advocate for veterans and conduct outreach to increase awareness of available benefits and services.
Represent the agency at meetings, conferences, and veterans’ events hosted by partner organizations and other external entities.
Direct service delivery to ensure responsive support for veterans and compliance with program guidelines and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Perform other duties assigned by the Great Falls Supervisor and North Regional Veteran Service Officer.