Job Details
Salary: $17.80 - $20.95 Hourly
Location : White Cloud, MI
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 00203
Department: Veterans Affairs
Opening Date: 05/16/2024
Closing Date: 6/3/2024 5:00 PM Eastern
Description
The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) position is a great way to give back and serve veterans within Newaygo County. You don't need to be a veteran yourself; just someone who is passionate about helping others. The VSO's have numerous success stories of helping veterans and their beneficiaries when they need it the most. The VSO works in an office setting with 2-3 other VSO's, as a part time position, working 20 hours per week. As you will see, national accreditation is required. If selected, classes and training will be provided to obtain the necessary accreditation.
The Veterans Service Officer counsels veterans and/or their dependents for the purpose of obtaining all benefits available through federal, state and/or local legislation and private organizations. Reviews medical statements regarding physical and mental diseases and disabilities that are presented for initial claims and/or appeal action to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, military, state and local agencies on behalf of veterans and/or their dependents.
Examples of Duties
- Assists with advising veterans and/or their families regarding the services and benefits available to them through the Veterans' Services Division and/or refers them to the proper outside agencies when applicable.
- Conducts interviews, counsels and assists veterans/dependents in filing their applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, insurance benefits, financial relief applications and other veteran benefits.
- Researches federal, state and local laws and regulations and assists with interpreting their effect on benefits which veterans/dependents may be entitled to receive.
- Monitors changes in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and applicable legislation in order to properly advise clients regarding benefits and services available.
- Corresponds with appropriate agencies in order to secure affidavits, certificates, and other required papers to properly submit necessary documentation for clients to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.
- Monitors progress and accuracy of the adjudication process of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State and local agencies.
Typical Qualifications Education: High School graduation or equivalent is required; Associate degree in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration or closely related field is preferred.
Experience/Skills: - Prefer two (2) years of work experience in counseling or equivalent experience
- Prefer accreditation and membership through the National Association of County Veterans Counselors (NACVC). If not accredited, must have ability to obtain accreditation.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, service organization representatives, and professional contacts.
- Ability to write appeals of adverse determination made by government agencies
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
- Excellent computer skills
- Ability to work independently within established procedures and policies a majority of the time
- Demonstrate competency in basic arithmetic computations (addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, fractions, and percentages)
- Make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and established policies
- Work under pressure to meet dealines
- Work safetly without presenting a direct threat to self or others
Supplemental Information - Must possess a valid Michigan Driver's license.
- All offers of employment are contingent upon passing a background check and drug test which includes marijuana.
- 401(a) retirement that includes a 5% employer contribution, 3% employer match, and 3% employee contribution.
- Excellent health insurance package, including a health plan with no payroll deduction.
- Employer paid family life insurance coverage.
- Savings for health costs in retirement.
- Paid time off and vacation bundles, including 40 hours of vacation upon hire.
- 13 paid holidays.
- Longevity and funeral pay.
- Employer paid short and long-term disability.
- Annual pay step increases (based on a market adjustment) beyond the top pay rate that recognize years of service.