POSITION:  Accredited Veteran Service Officer

DEPARTMENT:  Veterans Services

WORK SCHEDULE: 8am-4:30pm

SALARY: $44,772/yr

STATUS:  Full-time

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

The Accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) provides assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors in understanding, applying for, and obtaining the benefits and services to which they are entitled.

Benefits

Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals

Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care

Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness

Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)

Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources

Responsibilities

• Client Support: Interview veterans and their dependents to assess needs and advise them on available benefits and services.
• Claim Development: Collect necessary evidence, identify issues, and determine entitlement to benefits such as compensation, pension, education, and healthcare.
• Claim Adjudication: Evaluate eligibility, adjudicate claims, and input data into appropriate systems for processing.
• Claim Management: Prepare and file claims and appeals; monitor case status to ensure timely resolution and follow-up.
• Documentation: Draft and issue award and notification letters, clearly explaining determinations and rationale.
• Referrals and Assistance: Coordinate with other agencies and community resources, schedule appointments, and conduct home or hospital visits as needed.
• Compliance: Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and eligibility requirements related to veterans’ benefits, as well as a working knowledge of protection of Personally Identifiable Information or PII.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate case files and documentation in compliance with all applicable confidentiality and reporting requirements.
• Community Outreach: Represent the Veterans Services Department at public events and informational sessions to promote awareness of available programs.

Qualifications

• Experience: Veterans only apply.  Equivalent combination of training, and related experience preferred.
• Knowledge: Preferred understanding of federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits programs and eligibility criteria.
• Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated empathy and professionalism.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret complex regulations.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.

Other Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Honorable discharge from military service preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to travel within the County as needed.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Currently has or can obtain VSO Accreditation.
• Must be able to attend required training and meetings which may include travel.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a standard office environment with periodic travel to community events, hospitals, or client residences. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for outreach activities.