Assistant Veterans' Services Officer, Veterans' Services

Assistant Veterans' Services Officer, Veterans' Services

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Waite Park, MN

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2024-01722

Department

Veterans Services Office

Opening Date

07/02/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Description

SALARY:

Starting: $60,994/Salary

Full Range: $60,994 -$89,521/Salary

Grade 18, Non-Exempt Position, Teamsters-General Unit

Our Mission: "Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All"

Our Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is seeking a dedicated individual to join the Veteran's Services team. If you have a willingness to learn and are interested in assisting veterans and/or their families to determine which resources they are eligible for, this is your opportunity for a rewarding career in public service. Stearns County derives strength from the diversity of its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected, honored and valued.

Public service employees are provided a comprehensive benefit package, contributions to a Pension Plan, and enjoyment of work-life balance through generous time off including paid Holidays, a paid time off plan, and flexible scheduling. See our Benefits Overview.

Position Objective

To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors to enhance their quality of life through benefit assistance, counseling, and education. This position is responsible for ensuring that veterans and their dependents or survivors are provided prompt, courteous, effective service and receive all possible Federal, State and County benefits to which they are entitled.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1.Counsels, advises, and assists veterans and their dependents or survivors with applying for and maintaining all federal, state, or county benefits to which they are entitled. Assesses client needs and provides information to enable receipt of appropriate benefits and services.

2.Processes documentation from individuals or governmental agencies and investigates service and medical histories to assist in processing applications.

3.Assists claimants in appealing VA decisions so they may receive appropriate outcomes.

4.Assists veterans in scheduling medical care appointments.

5.Performs case assessments and recommends granting of state financial assistance for veterans and surviving spouses; completes and transmits all related documents, and assists in providing mandated information to medical providers and other providers regarding the status of cases.

6.Provides referrals and information regarding veterans and family members to federal, state, and county government offices and agencies so programs and services can be provided.

7.Provides current benefit packets to newly discharged veterans upon notification by the state of the discharge or upon visit by the veteran so they are aware of relevant services and benefits.

8.Develops presentation materials and handouts to aid in benefits briefings and presentations. Updates and maintains information and reference material for departmental use to ensure that materials are accurate and up to date.

9.Inputs and updates veterans' information and records into an electronic database. Enrolls veterans in various online veterans service web programs to improve processing times and access to certain benefits.

10. Assists eligible claimants who incur an overpayment with the appropriate plan or action.

11. Liaison for veterans for VAMC issues such as billing or medical issues.

12. Searches death notices to identify veterans or survivors; notifies appropriate agencies, and mails correspondence to survivors to offer assistance.

13. Conducts research and attends training to maintain knowledge of appropriate forms and current information and to meet the continuing education requirements needed to maintain accreditation.

14. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.

15. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications and Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• High School graduate or equivalent

• Associates degree or higher

• Two years of work experience in the public sector, human services, legal or related field

• Must meet the qualifications set forth in MN Statute 197.601 to include: 1) Must be a resident of the state of Minnesota; 2) citizen of the United States; 3) a veteran, as defined in section 197.447; 4) honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces. If more than one discharge, the last discharge must be honorable

• Must also be able to pass a federal background check in order to obtain access to VA programs

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite

Accreditation

After hire, must achieve accreditation as a County Veterans Service Officer through:

• One year in training, plus National Accreditations test

• Annual continuation of training maintaining 16 CEU's for national accreditation

• Understanding of medical terminology

• Training in or understanding of administrative legal processes

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Working in a veterans' services office

• Volunteer service to veterans or veterans' organizations

• Education and training regarding veterans' service work

• State certification as a County Veterans' Services Officer

• Working with the law, regulations and rulings of the United States Veterans' Administration

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.Knowledge of the laws, procedures, and techniques used in preparing and submitting veteran benefit requests

2.Working knowledge of medical terms and medical treatments

3.Ability to understand and interpret financial documents

4.Skilled in the use of veteran-related computer programs and other County computer programs

5.Ability to understand, interpret, and apply moderately complex laws, rules, and regulations that are subject to frequent change

6.Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments quickly and efficiently

7.Ability to handle information with discretion and in a confidential manner

8.Ability to make appropriate decisions in accordance with precedents and regulations and apply those decisions as required by work situations

9.Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups.

Accountabilities, Work Environment and Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees

1.Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.

2.Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.

3.Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

4.Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.

5.Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.

6.Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.

7.Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. Will require occasional travel to off-site locations and attendance at evening meetings. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Responsibility for Public Contact

Frequent.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Veteran Service Officer.

Hours of Work, Testing and Interview Dates

Hours of Work

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some hours outside of normal work hours.

Interview Date

If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.