Veterans Service Officer

Veterans Service Officer

Full-Time / Exempt / Full Benefits

$71,334.00 to $79,206.40 annually, Grade 11

Under the supervision of the Board of County Commissioners, provides assistance to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, and their survivors, who are seeking benefits earned as a result of military service from federal and state agencies. Assistance includes, but is not limited to: counseling, disability claim development and preparation, appeals development and preparation, medical enrollment, burial and survivor benefits, transportation to medical appointments, and referrals to other agencies and organizations.

Candidate Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Social Science, or related field; and 2-4 years' experience in a similar position with general knowledge of office procedures, familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Preference will be given to honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
3. Must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work with people cordially and effectively from a wide variety of backgrounds and varying levels of communication capabilities as well as staff members and employees of other agencies and organizations.
4. Must possess skills in being empathetic, professional, and tactful in dealing with persons in various emotional and mental states.
5. Must possess computer skills with proficiency in the MS Office Suite. Must have the ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others, and analyze, interpret, and prepare reports and records.
6. Must have a valid North Dakota driver's license with a clean driving record.
7. Applicants will be subject to post offer civil, criminal and driver's license background check.

Essential Job Duties:

• Manages and coordinates County Veterans programs and services; ensures Veterans receive quality services and maximum benefit entitlements.
• Supervises the preparation and disposition of claim applications of veterans, their widows, and dependents. Counsels and informs them of the various benefits available to them and assists them with developing strategies to maximize their benefits.
• Attends Veterans Claims hearings and provides oral presentations to assist clients in obtaining benefits as needed.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and monitors the performance of assigned personnel; ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulations governing Veterans services.
• Assists clients with preparation of application forms for pension, compensation, education benefits, medical care, VA home loans, state loans and grants, state combat veteran bonuses, and other programs and benefits.
• Conducts visits with shut-in and hospitalized clients to assist with benefit applications and other forms as necessary; conducts outreach during benefits fair and similar events.
• Researches and interprets a complex set of laws, rules, regulations, and court precedents; evaluates impact of proposed laws and regulations pertaining to veterans and provides input to legislators and program administrators.
• Oversees veterans' transportation network, including development of policies and supervision of volunteers.
• Provides information and support to veterans' organizations. Address media, veterans' groups, government leaders or others regarding veterans' programs and issues. Disseminate updates related to veterans' benefits. Coordinate veteran relations functions in the county and community.
• Prepares annual budget for County Commissioners, prepare, and maintain departmental records, files, and statistical reports, including monthly and annual reports. Maintain financial record and account for funds.
• Advises County Commissioners on issues pertaining to department operations, as well as veterans and their families.
• Initiates and coordinates contracts with vendors for software and monitors its performance.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The employing agency does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.