Veterans Service Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must have served as a member of the United States Armed Forces and been separated under honorable conditions.
• Must submit DD-214, Member Copy #4, with the application.
• Ability and willingness to deal effectively and professionally with diverse individuals.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• Excellent customer-service skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Successful completion of the due diligence process, including a Level II background check and drug test.
• Education and employment history must be verifiable; credentials claimed should be attached to the application.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of employment experience as a State Veterans Service Officer or in a comparable role counseling and handling veterans' affairs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in web-based applications and specialized internet research.

Responsibilities

• Interview, counsel, and obtain information from veterans and family members to prepare and submit claims for federal and state benefits.
• Use VA data systems and established policies and procedures to develop and submit claims.
• Assist with preparing and perfecting appeals and represent clients in fee-basis, hardship eligibility, waiver, discharge review, and VA Regional Office hearings as required.
• Review and interpret VA laws, rules, and regulations affecting veterans’ entitlements.
• Respond to telephone and written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, and veterans service officers with accurate information.
• Address benefit-administration problems with the local agency of jurisdiction, process incoming mail and correspondence, complete forms, and enter client information into department systems.
• Visit each new veteran admission at the bedside within 48 hours when assigned to a medical center or hospital.
• Assist accredited organizations and coordinate with VA outpatient, clinic, service-center, and medical-center staff to obtain medical information and support claims and treatment-related advocacy.
• Safeguard private medical and claims information in accordance with applicable regulations and statutes.
• Represent the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at briefings, community events, military bases, medical-center meetings, and other events, and serve on relevant committees and advisory boards.
• Deploy to provide assistance at disaster recovery centers during state emergencies.
• Help veterans seeking admission to State Veterans Nursing Homes by preparing forms, obtaining signatures and information, verifying eligibility and financial data, and assisting family members.
• Provide on-site claims assistance to Florida National Guard units and maintain contact with Guard, Reserve, and active military installations in the geographic area.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and training; serve as an instructor or speaker at public events when requested; and perform other related duties.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package.
• Optional deferred compensation plan.
• Health, vision, dental, disability, and other supplemental insurance available at reasonable premium rates.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal day.
• Tuition waiver for State Universities and Community Colleges, up to six credits per semester.