Veterans Service Officer

Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged

ABOUT OREGON CASCADES WEST COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCWCOG)

OCWCOG manages a variety of local, State, and Federal programs to serve residents, local governments, and businesses in our tri-County Region. OCWCOG is recognized by the State of Oregon as an Area Commission on Transportation (ACT) and a Type B Medicaid Transfer Agency. Additionally, the association is recognized by the Federal Government as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), an Economic Development District (EDD), an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Coordinator, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Revolving Loan Agency, and staffs the two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in the Region. These designations increase OCWCOG’s ability to serve our communities’ needs.

As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, in addition to the programs and services that OCWCOG is required by State or Federal contract to provide, OCWCOG helps businesses find appropriate capital; facilitates seniors and persons with disabilities plan for independent living; coordinates local road improvement priorities; and assists with administration and technical support for its member governments.

Each program works towards OCWCOG’s mission of helping the Region’s communities collaborate to solve problems and connect member governments, businesses, and individuals with a wide array of resources.

Title: Veterans Service Officer

Position Classification: Veterans Service Officer (RG-21)

Department: Benton County Veterans Service Office

Reports to: Community Services Program Director

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Serves as a Veteran Service Officer. Routinely handles confidential information.

Performs position duties in a manner, which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully. Engages in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related-associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates openness of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

70% Essential Duty 1: VA Claims: Research, Navigation, and Filing

• Determines benefits eligibility for veterans, their dependents and survivors for a variety of claims types including compensation, pension, survivor benefits, medical enrollments, home loan guarantys, and education programs
• Advises veterans, their dependents and survivors, on benefit programs provided by local, state, and federal government agencies; interprets program regulations, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements; maintains knowledge of current veteran's benefits programs.
• Processes required paperwork associated with claims for veterans, their dependents and survivors.
• Obtains, analyzes and organizes military service information, medical history, finances, assets, and other pertinent information for claims submissions.
• Assists client with annual Income Verification reports and medical expense reports.
• Assists clients who have overpayments with requests for waiver and/or compromise.
• Audits client files to ensure appropriate resolution by VA.
• Maintains case files and ensures documentation is adequate for VA purposes.
• Ensures claims are filed in a timely fashion and required VA deadlines are met.
• Performs data entry in various computer programs and systems.

15% Essential Duty 2: Community Outreach, Reporting and Presentations

• Represents program at local, regional and state Veteran meetings, providing information and professional consultation as required.
• Collects and prepares data for monthly and quarterly County and Agency reporting. Presents data as requested.
• Provides informational public speaking for community organizations or groups.

5% Essential Duty 3: Work Study support

• Supports VA Work Study with tasks, schedule, and VA timesheet submission.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

5% Ad hoc duty 1:

• Attends fundraising activities, events, functions, conferences, and trainings as requested by management.

5% Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment with routine computer and telephone usage. Position requires sitting and typing for long periods of time. Position may require attendance at occasional evening meetings. Occasional travel throughout the three-county area may be required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives general supervision from the Community Services Program Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Training

Graduation from a four-year college or university with at least two years’ experience in a service-related job; OR, accreditation as a VSO for one year; OR, any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary and required in order to perform the duties of the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Veterans' benefits programs including compensation, pension, survivor benefits, medical systems, education; activities of other agencies which provide services to veterans;
• Knowledge of functions and scope of public and private agencies and institutions providing social support services to Veterans;
• Knowledge and familiarity with problems and issues confronting Veterans and clients with disabilities in the local community;
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects;
• Ability to compute and process required paperwork and recognize mathematical errors;
• Ability to effectively interview clients to determine program eligibility;
• Ability to work effectively with clients and to use good judgment in handling individual case problems;
• Ability to interact and work effectively with representatives of other agencies and members of the public;
• Ability to exercise good time management skills in order to accomplish both daily tasks and on-going projects;
• Knowledge of confidentiality rules regarding client and provider records;
• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written operating instructions, guidelines and procedures and to initiate suggestions for appropriate involvement;
• Ability to operate a personal computer; experience with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Access, Calendars, Outlook, etc.
• Ability to interact sensitively with Veterans, the elderly and/or persons with disabilities;
• Ability to assess and diffuse hostile/irrational situations in person or telephone;
• Ability to research, interpret and implement U. S. Code of Federal Regulations Titles 38 and 10; Oregon Administrative Rules, and VA Manuals;
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office machines and equipment.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

• Possession of Valid Oregon Driver's License or have ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the assigned area.
• Accreditation with Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) within two years from date of hire. Position requires successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities. To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

To apply, please visit https://ocwcog.sutihr.com/jobs/jid/402dwh?referrer=

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.98 - $36.15 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Corvallis, OR 97330: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person