VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER- 40009017

Veterans Service Officer - 40009017

The purpose of this position is to improve the quality of life of the veterans of Durham County, their dependents, and their survivors by facilitating access to a range of VA, state, and local veterans' benefits. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Interviews, counsels, and assists veterans, their dependents, and their survivors with filing claims for VA, state, and local veterans' benefits, in person, by phone, virtually, or through home visits.
• Prepares briefs for claim appeals; conducts informal conversations with VA claims raters during higher level reviews; advises veterans of their rights pertaining to Tort & 1151 claims.
• Tracks claims in VA's Veterans Benefit Management System.
• Presents programs and information sessions to veteran service organizations, local community agencies, and media; assists with the development and the execution of Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Women Veterans Recognition Day programs.
• Provides home, nursing home & rest home visits to veterans or dependents to assist with filing claims when necessary or upon referral.
• Compiles monthly statistical data, indicating the number of veterans assisted, number of claims processed, the category of the claim as well as the volume of work processed for the month.
• Assists with veterans' status investigations of indigent hospital patients and if eligible, takes action to get them admitted to VA hospitals or the State Veterans' Nursing home; accepts referrals for claims from VA hospitals and mental health counselors.
• Participates in county-wide community outreach to interact with veterans.
• Serves on County committees and community veteran boards as appropriate.
• Assists Casualty Assistance Officers with military dependent benefits & death claims.
• Maintains accreditation with the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs through regular continuing education requirements mandated by the state.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of veterans' programs, benefits, laws and regulations.
• General knowledge of community organizations, agencies and facilities related to veterans' affairs.
• Experience in conducting interviews and providing customer service.
• Proficient working with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled in applying Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Skilled in researching information, preparing reports, and managing databases.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads in multiple programs simultaneously.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculation.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply technical rules and regulations.
• Ability to effectively deal with veterans, officials, dependents and the public.
• Ability to assess and manage clients experiencing mental health, physical or substance-use impairments.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with employees, public safety officials, and healthcare personnel.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.

Minimum education and experience requirements:

• Requires an associate's degree in business, psychology, human services, or related field from an appropriately accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of experience in veterans' service work.

Physical demands:

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable hazards (work environment): None

Special certifications and licenses requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable three-year driving history.
• Must obtain official certification as a Veterans Service Officer through the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs within the first year of employment.
• Successfully complete and pass the Federal Training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation of Claims (TRIP) course to secure mandatory clearance for federal computer databases and veteran records.

Standard clauses:

• May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

Essential safety functions:

• It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Americans with Disabilities Act compliance:

• Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Background check statement:

• This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.