Veterans Services Officer - Mobile South

State of Maine • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional services work overseeing day-to-day operations of an assigned field office; advising and advocating for veterans and 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. Responsibilities include strategizing, developing and filing claims, and advocating for eligible military benefits and services such as pension, compensation, education, housing, financial assistance, and/or medical care. Work also includes supervising staff, evaluating and verifying information, determining eligibility, and leading appeal strategies and activities. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Requirements

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of available VA and community programs and services.
• Knowledge of veterans benefits/claims application procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of Department rules, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of terminology/meanings of various types of disabilities and illnesses associated with veterans' claims.
• Knowledge of State Veterans Assistance programs.
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and office management practices.
• Knowledge of eligibility and application criteria governing federal veterans’ assistance and state programs.
• Knowledge of assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents.
• Knowledge of VA appeals process and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and objectives underlying veterans benefits programs.
• Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims of trauma and hostile, distraught, and/or depressed clients.
• Ability to prepare well-grounded briefs.
• Ability to prepare and present case facts, evidence, testimony, and examine witnesses.
• Ability to establish and maintain community partnerships.
• Ability to use applicable computer programs.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and obtain pertinent information.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and case files.
• A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, a Social Services/Behavioral Science area, or related field and two (2) years experience in directly providing and/or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work.
• Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Applicants must have served on active duty during a federally recognized period of conflict, as defined in Section 504, Title 37B, MRSA.
• State of Maine & US Department of Veterans Affairs Training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation (TRIP) National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP)
• Successful completion of fingerprinting and Federal background check

Responsibilities

• Initiates and/or update client management software and continuously monitors cases to detect problems, determine status of cases, and ensure judicious and timely review of undisputed/disputed claims.
• Interviews and advises veterans and/or their dependents to provide information and determine eligibility for benefits and services from federal/state veterans programs.
• Develops, assesses, and evaluates all testimony and documents to prepare for formal hearing proceedings.
• Writes well-grounded appeal briefs to substantiate veterans' positions on contested cases.
• Represents veterans or dependents at appeal hearings to present claimants' arguments.
• Evaluates VA claim determinations for compliance with federal/state rulings to determine consistency, improve submission detail, and/or initiate claim negotiations to achieve fair solutions that ensure veterans' rights and entitlements are protected.
• Administers operations of an assigned field office and multiple itinerant offices to serve veteran clientele to ensure consistent application of applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Advises and advocates for applicants on problems relating to income, housing, health, education, and family situation to meet the needs of veterans and/or dependents.
• Identifies resources and prepares claims for veterans and/or dependents to guide them in applying for and obtaining benefits and services.
• Gathers and analyzes information, and documents detailed case history to prepare reports to substantiate and authorize grants for aid.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with other agencies and community organizations to develop resources and/or promote agency mission.
• Represents the agency before veterans groups, on committees, and in public forums to exchange information and promote veterans programs, benefits, and services.
• Studies and researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedent-setting decisions to prepare well-grounded documentation in support of highly complex and sensitive claims.
• Implements, administers, and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices, including: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, communication systems, and employee safety.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.86% for Confidential employees.

What This Job Offers

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