VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER

DEFINITION

This is professional work counseling veterans, military members, and/or dependents regarding veterans benefits, available assistance, claim procedures, beneficiary information, and eligibility status.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Conducts interviews with veterans and dependents; reviews background data and current medical and financial information to determine eligibility for Federal and State veterans benefits.

Evaluates information to determine the veteran's potential eligibility for benefits from other related programs.

Develops claims packages for veterans and dependents seeking disability, education, medical, and related benefits; completes claim forms and ensures proper certification of related documentation based upon the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) laws and regulations.

Assists with developing formal appeals of VA claims decisions; appears as claimant's representative at VA appeals hearings.

Prepares, maintains and monitors beneficiaries claim file to ensure continual receipt of VA benefits; prepares annual verification of VA pension eligibility; reports unusual medical expenses and other unusual expenditures.

Consults with technical experts to determine specifics related to eligibility standards and application requirements for Federal and State veterans benefits.

Informs veterans and family members of non-veteran's benefits for which they may be eligible such as Social Security, welfare and vocational rehabilitation.

Serves as program and benefits representative in a designated geographical area; develops and/or presents informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions to increase awareness of veterans benefits and programs.

Responds to veterans, dependents, legislators, and veterans service organizations regarding benefit questions.

Performs specialized informational and administrative tasks for applicants and residents of State veterans homes, private nursing homes and patients in both VA and community hospitals.

Conducts field training of Veterans Service Officer trainees.

Exercises independence with general administrative direction; work is reviewed through conferences and reports.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State military service-related legislation.

Comprehensive knowledge of the application and appeal processes for veterans compensation-related programs and benefits.

Skill in interviewing, communicating, and interacting with individuals having a wide variety of backgrounds.

Ability to analyze and interpret military, social service, and medical records to establish entitlements to service-related benefits.

Ability to assist veterans and dependents to determine benefits based on law, policy and regulation.

Ability to perform community outreach activities such as public speaking, conducting problem-solving sessions, and recruiting.

Ability to interpret and explain Federal and State benefits, programs, and legislation to interested groups and potential benefit recipients.

Ability to operate computer hardware and software including data entry and word processing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, veterans, military personnel, dependents, organizations, and the general public.

Ability to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and independently making decisions.

Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and, possession of an honorable discharge from the military forces of the United States.

OR

Four or more years of professional or technical experience involving public contact in the areas of business, public or personnel administration, social services or a military service program; and, possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate; and, possession of an honorable discharge from the military forces of the United States.

(Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year.)

(Minor Revision 5/10/06)