Veteran Services Officer*

General Description

The Orange County Department of Social Services has an opening for a Veteran Services Officer. The work involves the responsibility for assisting, counseling, and advocating for veterans and members of the armed services and their families and survivors by providing information, referral, assistance, initial screening and filing claims. An employee in this class is responsible for attending outreaches, visiting veterans and their families at home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Social Work Supervisor with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding customer needs and requests and conducting project assignments. Supervision over others may be required of this position. Position does DSS- related work as required.

The hiring range is based on the Orange County Social Services Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of Veteran Services Officer experience.

Full credit is given for years of experience performing the same job functions. Partial credit is given for years of experience performing related job functions. The top half of the scale is reserved for career employees with senior level experience in the same role.

• Background Check is required.

Examples of Essential Functions

Examples of Essential Functions

Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Assesses client needs; conducts client/claimant interviews, counsels veterans, their spouses and/or dependents on the types of available benefits, such as pension, death benefits, disability, medical care, back military pay, insurances, educational and loan benefits, etc.; and advises them on their eligibility for benefits.

Assists veterans and their families in the preparation of claims for which they are entitled.

Ensures documentation required for processing claims is complete and accurate.

Assists in gathering information for appeals in cases of claim denials.

Aids veterans in obtaining medical care, treatment and hospitalization for both service connected and non-service connected disability.

Conducts and participates in various outreach activities to promote program awareness and access.

Prepares monthly statistical reports regarding services delivered and marketing/outreach efforts.

Works closely with other County Departments, State and Federal Agencies, and Community Service Agencies to provide necessary assistance to veterans and their families. Provides referrals as appropriate.

Establishes case files and maintains records and reports on services performed.

Attends conferences held by the Veterans Administration and other government agencies to further knowledge of changing laws, programs and benefits.

Participates in service groups, community activities and special events as a representative of the County.

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager, their designee, or the DSS Director, participation in preparedness and response operations, as well as critical agency needs, should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours, and/or work location.

Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.

Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ANDABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the federal, state and local laws pertaining to veterans and their families in order to advise them on their eligibility for benefits, complete the paperwork for application for benefits and assist them in the appeal of benefit denials.

Thorough knowledge of various services available to veterans and their families in order to advise them of possible programs and services to which they may be entitled.

Thorough knowledge of counseling techniques in order to assist veterans and their families with a variety of problems related to disability, death, economic and legal conditions, etc.

Ability to learn local governmental administrative principles and practices in order to maintain an efficient office operation.

Ability to learn public relations techniques in order to work with community organizations, veterans organizations and a variety of federal, state and local agencies to promote the needs of veterans and secure provision of services.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in written and oral form, with a wide variety of clientele, including those with behavioral health issues, to elicit information and explain services.

Ability to prepare, organize, and maintain accurate records and reports.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, public administration, or related field AND two (2) years of progressively responsible experience working in a Veterans Service OrganizationOR

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.

Veteran status is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

North Carolina mandated Veterans Service Officer certification is required within 12 months of appointment and must retain accreditation throughout employment.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

All offers of employment are conditioned upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.

As with all positions with the Department of Social Services, this position may be required to serve in shelters in time of natural and man-made disasters including overnight and weekends. The duties assigned during this time may vary from your regularly assigned duties. Assigned duties will be at the discretion of the Social Services Director.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS

Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.

Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess the close visual acuity to operate a computer terminal and perform extensive reading.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer