Veterans Service Officer

CRAWFORD COUNTY

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER – JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Veterans Affairs Council and supervision of the County Administrator, councils veterans and/or their dependents for the purpose of obtaining benefits available to them through federal, state and/or local programs. Assesses, develops, and processes claims for benefits from the Veterans Administration and the State of Michigan for veterans and their families. Administers the Veterans Trust Fund, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund and the County’s Veterans Burial Program. In accordance with the Veterans Administration, military, federal and state guidelines, maintains accurate records on eligible veterans. Interviews and assists veterans and their dependents regarding benefits and other issues. Acts as an official representative and liaison on behalf of the County Veterans Affairs Council.

1. Plans, develops and implements policies and procedures to guide departmental operations and to assist veterans and their dependents obtain benefits they are entitled to under various local, state, and federal laws and programs.

2. Regularly interviews and assists veterans, their survivors and dependents to secure benefits under programs providing assistance to veterans such as: service connected disability, disability pension, survivor’s pension, death benefits, education, and medical/psychological benefits to include advocating proper treatment.

3. Regularly assists in preparing claims and supporting documents, researches and assembles evidence and otherwise documents claims applications. Ensures veterans have discharge papers and other necessary documentation.

4. Prepares presentations of claims and appeals as per federal and state statutes on behalf of veterans and/or their dependents.

5. Reviews medical records in order to advise veterans whether disability will be recognized by the Veterans Administration and works with client to gather medical evidence to support claims. Explains the requirement of the Veterans Administration. Advises on the need for medical professionals to provide clear opinions to be used in claims for disability compensation and health benefits.

6. Reviews Veterans Administration’s claim decisions in order to ensure that the veteran’s, surviving spouse or dependent were awarded proper benefits as established by current legislation. Prepares and directs the preparation of appeals. Researches for precedents, medical evidence and laws to support the appeal.

7. Oversees and operates the County Veterans Burial Program to provide an allowance for the burials of eligible wartime veterans and dependents and for installation of a grave marker. Authorizes payment service requirements and that asset limitations are met.

8. Oversees and operates the County’s access to Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and the County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund. Assists veterans and dependents by providing for housing, food, utilities, prescriptions, transportation and other needs. Conducts intake interviews with applicants for emergency grant assistance. Serves as authorized agent for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. Maintains and monitors the records for these funds.

9. Interviews veterans with medical, psychological and alcohol/drug problems and advises on the availability of treatment and hospitalization, and works in coordination with various agencies to arrange admissions, transportation, and custody in emergency situations.

10. Analyzes and interprets new and pending legislation pertaining to veterans. Prepares reactions or gathers information as necessary to respond to such legislation. Provides technical expertise on veteran’s benefits and entitlements to the Board of Commissioners and other county veteran organizations.

11. Stays abreast of services available through community agencies and refers veterans to those agencies as appropriate. Coordinates efforts with other human service agencies. Makes referrals to DHS, CMH and other service providers.

12. Acts as an official representative on behalf of and liaison to the Veterans Affairs Council at trainings and conferences along with various meetings with service organizations and other non-governmental groups. Makes community presentations regarding veteran benefit programs.

13. Establishes and maintains current department reference library of federal, state, and local veteran laws, codes, manuals, and judicial decisions.

14. Attends federal, state and county conferences and seminars in order to stay current and informed on veteran issues, including new legislation and changes in eligibility requirements. Maintains liaison with other community agencies and veteran organizations.

15. Acts as an advocate on behalf of veterans and their dependents.

16. Visit veterans and/or their families in their homes, hospitals, nursing homes and other locations.

17. Prepares and submits an annual report to the Veterans Affairs Council and the County Board of Commissioners.

18. Prepares and monitors the annual departmental budget.

19. Other Responsibilities may include

a. Attendance at meeting/events outside of normal business hours/days

b. Attendance at conferences/trainings out-of-town

c. Attendance of veteran service organizational meetings in the area

20. Performs other duties as assigned/required.

Education: College level coursework in psychology, social work, counseling, or related area of social services is desirable, Bachelor’s degree preferred. Effective verbal/written communication skills.

Experience: One year of progressively more responsible experience in researching, developing, documenting and investigating claims. Prefer experience in an agency dealing with veterans issues. Must have or be willing to achieve and maintain accreditation and membership by and in the National Association of County Veterans Officers (NACVO) and the Michigan Association of County Veterans Officers (MACVO).

Other Requirements:

· Preference will be given to honorably discharged veterans of U.S. Armed forces

· Thorough working knowledge of interviewing skills preferred

· Thorough working knowledge of veterans benefits and individual programs preferred

· Ability to:

o Prioritize and work well under pressure

o Communicate information and ideas in writing

o Show compassion and care when working with veterans and their families

o Respond to upset or disagreeable clients in a calm, productive and professional manner

o Work with other county employees and departments

Physical Requirements: [This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements]:

· Ability to access office files.

· Ability to enter and retrieve information from computer.

· Visual ability to read printed material and information contained via computer

· Sufficient hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the phone

· Ability to operate copy machines and other office equipment

· Driving to various sites to conduct visits.

Working Conditions:

· Typically works in office conditions but travels to make visits, attend meetings and perform other job functions.

· Exposure to individuals with various emotional/mental conditions.

· This is a front-line position for providing excellent service to members of the general public.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 28 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grayling, MI 49738: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person