Veterans Service Officer

CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE A MARSHALL COUNTY GOVERNMENT APPLICATION AND RETURN TO HR OFFICE BY THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH AT 4 PM. APPLICATION AVAILABLE AT https://marshallcountytn.com/employment-application

Nature of Work

This is responsible administrative work providing assistance to veterans and their dependents to ensure they receive needed services and benefits obtained as a result of service in the armed forces. The incumbent must remain current on all laws and regulations pertaining to veteran’s benefits and be capable of advising and assisting veterans and their dependents on how to obtain needed services and benefits. Activities associated with the position include interviewing veterans and their dependents to determine needed services, preparing formal claims, maintaining files and related documentation, and acting as an advocate for veterans and their dependents when needed. Additional activities include supervising the activities and administrative staff, counseling and advising claimants of their rights and conducting personal hearings before ratings boards and other governmental agencies when appropriate. The position requires an honorable discharge from the armed forces and completion of at least one tour of duty, thorough knowledge of veterans’ benefits, supervisory experience, and strong interpersonal and organizational and decision-making skills. Job performance is evaluated by the County Mayor through review of the level of services to veterans and their dependents, knowledge of services and benefits available to veterans, interpersonal skills, and the efficiency of office operations.

Illustrative Examples of Work

· Interviews and counsels veterans and their dependents about veterans’ benefits and services.

· Prepares formal claims and compiles supporting documentation to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining needed services and/or benefits.

· Supervises and performs item analysis review of decisions made by the Veteran’s administration or other governmental agencies to determine if such decisions are in accordance with the law.

· Researches medical conditions and obtains necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support claim(s).

· Assists with preparing formal claims and compiling supporting documentation including DD214’s, birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining needed services and/or benefits.

· Supervises and participates in the preparation and presentation of rebuttals and supporting evidence or presentation to the Veteran’s Administration or other governmental agency for reconsideration when appropriate.

· Conducts personal hearings before the Veteran’s Administration rating boards, judges, human service agencies, military discharge review boards, social security and other governmental agencies and boards as needed.

· Counsels and advises claimants emphasizing the right to due process including personal hearings and explaining the appellate procedure.

· Reviews applications, forms, and documents prior to submitting them to the veteran’s administration or other governmental agencies to ensure that the proper documents are utilized, and all evidence of relevance is included.

· Assists clients in locating needed documentation to pursue formal claims for services.

· Visits veterans and dependents in nursing homes, hospitals, and private residences to determine if needed services are being provided.

· Files claims on behalf of veterans and/or their dependents.

· Maintains files of claims and supporting documentation for each veteran served.

· Follows up on claims once submitted and serves as an advocate for clients when necessary.

· Supervises and directs the activities.

· Assists survivors of deceased veterans in obtaining death benefits including a widow’s pension, DIC, burial allowance and government grave marker.

· Maintains contact with veteran support services including VA hospitals, nursing homes, colleges and universities, VFW, American Legion, Tennessee Department of Veteran’s Affairs, etc.

· Consults with doctors, lawyers, hospital administrators, etc. to assist veterans and their dependents.

· Performs outreach activities to inform veterans and their dependents of available services and benefits.

· Attends quarterly and annual service officers’ training sessions to remain current on veterans’ benefits and services, pertinent laws and regulations and changes in program procedures.

· Serves as a liaison between the County office and state field offices and other County services offices regarding claims and veteran’s benefit issues.

· Attends geriatric screen team meetings, interagency council meetings and veterans’ organization meetings to remain current on important issues and provide advice and information when necessary.

· Supervises and directs the activities of administrative staff working in the veterans’ services office.

· Performs related duties as required.

Necessary Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited four-year high school; honorable discharge from the armed services; a minimum of one tour of active duty; ability to interact successfully with veterans and their families; strong organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills; supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

· Thorough knowledge of services and benefits available to veterans and their dependents through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

· Thorough knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38, 017.

· Thorough knowledge of support services available to veterans and their families in the Middle Tennessee area.

· Thorough knowledge of medical and hospitalization benefits available to veterans and their dependents.

· Thorough knowledge of the documentation necessary to submit claims for services and/or benefits.

· Thorough knowledge of office management and organization and supervisory techniques and practices.

· Ability to counsel and provide advice to veterans and their dependents on available services and benefits.

· Ability to remain current on all updates and changes to benefits available to veterans and their dependents.

· Ability to organize and maintain confidential files and documentation in an organized and accessible manner.

· Ability to interact successfully with service providers, attorneys, doctors, etc. and advocate for the needs of clients and their families.

· Ability to supervise and direct the activities of administrative staff in an effective and efficient manner to ensure the optimal level of service to veterans and their families.

· Ability to perform effective outreach services to veterans and their families and provide them with the information necessary to determine eligibility for veteran’s benefits.

· Skill in the use of office equipment and machinery including computer terminals, typewriters, FAX machines, copiers, calculators, etc.

· Skill in the use of proprietary and commonly utilized software programs including database management, word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Necessary Special Requirements

· Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.

· Honorable discharge from the armed services and at least one tour of active duty.

· Certification by the State of Tennessee as “Veterans Service Officer.”

· Certified as Service Organization Representative by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Physical Requirements

· This is light to medium requiring moderate static, explosive, dynamic and trunk strength and requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects.

· Work requires considerable flexibility, mobility, and speed of limb movement.

· Work requires moderate effort and stamina.

· Work requires both gross body equilibrium and coordination for balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking.

· Work requires arm/ hand steadiness and manual and finger dexterity.

· Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.

· Hearing is required to perceive information in both quiet and noisy environments and determine the direction of sounds.

· Visual acuity is required for the inspection of small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, color differentiation, and observing general surroundings and activities.

· The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.68 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lewisburg, TN 37091: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Public Assistance Specialists: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location