VETERAN'S SERVICE OFFICER

VETERAN'S SERVICE OFFICER

Salary: 124 - $56,750 minimum salary.

Purpose of Classification

Performs professional work assisting Cameron County Veterans. Duties include advocate and assist Cameron County Veterans and their supervisors in preparing and presenting claims for federal or state benefits. Positions in this class perform routine analysis and identify needed corrective actions to resolve discrepancies; answer questions; and maintain documents and records.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Counsels veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries regarding the full array of benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as non-VA benefits available through other organizations concerned with veterans.

Works with the Veterans Health Administration; communicates with local VA clinics within VISN networks (VHA) in order to resolve medical issues, concerns and inquiries of service; oversees and ensures that all EEOC regulations are followed in accordance with Federal, State and/or local policies.

Maintains knowledge of health issues affecting veterans and of procedures involved from a wide array of areas to include but not limited to fee basis, contracting, health enrollment, eligibility standards, etc.

Maintains network of professional relationships with local, state and federal government entities; develops methods to increase services to veterans, their dependents and surviving spouses. Acts as advocate for veterans and their beneficiaries in their dealings with other VA elements and organizations that affect their claims and benefits; analyzes all claims and initiates action to obtain all required evidence to support the claim.

Provides assistance and information to employees, managers, vendors, citizens, local businesses, and/or and other interested parties regarding veteran's services functions; serves as liaison between supervisors, vendors, and other departments in regards to department policies and activities. Explains policies and procedures.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field; supplemented by two (2) years of experience performing in counseling on veteran and/or or military benefits work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Veteran of a recognized United States military service branch with honorable discharge required. Must achieve Texas Veterans Commission certification within six (6) months of hiring.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert medium physical effort in medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of heavy weight (50 - 100 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This is a Civil Service covered position. Testing requirements will follow section 2.32 of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations Handbook. Probationary period will follow section 2.35 of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations Handbook.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER