Veteran Services Officer

Lake County•Gurnee, IL

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Applicants must be a qualified veteran, spouse of a veteran or a veteran’s dependent. Seeking an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for this position. If you are accredited, provide your Office of General Counsel (OGC) accreditation number. If you are NOT accredited, please submit your application and it will be considered. Upload copies of your DD-214 (Signed Member 4 version), direct family member DD-214, resume, cover letter, and your certifications. We are seeking someone to fill a full-time (40-hour) position. A veteran is defined as any person who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days, or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty or be the dependent of an honorably discharged veteran. Under the supervision of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Senior VSO, and the Veteran Service Officer in Charge, the VSO will advocate for veterans and their immediate families or survivors to ensure receipt of benefits available from the state they reside and US Department of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to, Service Disability Claims, VA Pension Claims, Survivor Claims, Education Benefits, Employment Training, and Healthcare. The VSO advises and provides technical assistance for the filing of claims under Title 38 United States Code and 38 Code of Federal Regulations as well as county and state benefits, where applicable. VSO interviews, counsels, and assists in obtaining benefits for veterans, dependents, widows and orphans of war or peacetime veterans, as well as retired and active-duty military personnel and their dependents. Has a thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations. Develop working relationships with applicable County, State, and Federal departments and agencies. Performs research and investigation of the prior claim decisions made by the agency of primary responsibility and reviews all findings and decisions for possible appeal. May maintain benefit projections of county recipients of State and Federal Veterans’ Programs and estimate annual receipts into the county from all State and Federal agencies in relation to veterans’ programs. Maintains a working relationship with veterans’ organizations (at county, district, and state levels), staff, volunteers, and news media; provides information regarding department (federal and state) programs and services and performs field educational and claim visits to partner organizations or clients as needed. Requires considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, resource management, compassion, empathy, and public speaking ability to address veterans advocate groups and the media concerning current rules, regulations, changes, and trends in the veterans’ benefit domain. Advocate for veterans and their immediate families or survivors with Local, State, and other Federal assistance including but not limited to; Veterans Financial Assistance, Military Service Organization Assistance, Utilities Assistance Programs, Homeowner Assistance Programs, Homeless Assistance Programs, Family Medical Assistance Programs, Social Security, and other non-veteran specific programs based on the needs of the veteran and the family. Administers the ‘VA claims flow’ and monitor actions taken by subordinate VSO’s to ensure the timeliness of evidence submitted and tracking of active claims.

Requirements

Must be a qualified veteran, spouse of a veteran or a veteran’s dependent.
Must be a citizen of the United States.
Must have served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days, or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty.
Considerable knowledge with case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Unites States Court of Federal Claims, and Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS).
Working knowledge of terminology, symptoms, and occupational consequences of common diseases and disabilities that veterans may experience.
Considerable knowledge of current office methods and be able to adapt to VACLC high standards and procedures.
Excellent letter and report style, composition, punctuation, and spelling skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Capable of responding to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to work with limited supervision.
Proficient in the use of various computer programs including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, VetraSpec, PowerPoint and Onbase.
General knowledge of developing and processing claims, developing budgets, and working with various military service organizations and legislative groups.
Considerable knowledge of office management or supervisory methods, practices and techniques; records tracking, and operation of the office is required; laws affecting the work of the assigned division or department; specialized terminology of the division, department or office to which assigned.
Basic knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology.
Basic military knowledge.
Legal writing skills.
Peer support or counseling experience.
Previous experience in not-for-profit sector.
Previous employment with veterans’ organizations or Local, State or Federal agencies.
Minimum of an AA Degree, completion of two years of college level programs with course work in public or business administration accounting, supervision or related experience.
Must have reliable transportation and be punctual.
Must be willing and able to travel locally or out of state for at least a week, one to two times per year.
Must be able to attend outreach events occasionally including evenings and weekends when required.
Successful completion of substance screening.
Completion of NACVSO Accreditation Course, passing accreditation exam.
Completion of VACLC twelve (12) month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation or pension.
Research medical conditions, obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians, military buddies, family members or other sources to support the claim or appeal.
File application for veterans for education under the GI Bill, or vocational rehabilitation.
Assist survivors of a deceased veteran and funeral homes in obtaining death benefits.
Advise and assist veterans with government life insurance or home loan benefits.
Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
Keep in contact with veterans concerning the status of individual claims.
Work with VA professionals in obtaining public health services, home health care, home adaptation grant, or placement in local nursing homes or the Illinois Veterans Homes.
Ensure veterans, dependents, and widows in the county are aware of State and Federal benefits.
Assist retirees to apply for various types of military benefits and ID cards.
Advises retirees in medical insurance benefits or TRICARE and helps in filing those claims.
Apply for correction of military records or an upgrade of character of separation from the service.
Investigate history of units through Department of War, to prove that veteran was in combat zone, performing hazardous duty, or a specific battle, to qualify for specific benefits.
Advise veterans and their dependents on services from Social Security, Small Business Administration, and other agencies.
Works with County and State Human Services Department to maximize all potential benefits.
Assist veterans with help from local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Keeps current on legislative and legal actions of federal and state veteran benefits.
Maintains annual certification required by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Appear before the County Veteran Service Organizations and community organizations to brief members on current information concerning veterans’ benefits.
Maintain confidential records in accordance with data privacy laws and HIPPA.
Assists in compiling reports on office activities.
Perform other duties as requested by Executive Management.