Assistant Veterans Service Officer I

Employee performs entry level counseling and claims work. Work involves counseling and assisting veterans and their dependents or beneficiaries regarding veterans' benefits and employment services. Works under close supervision with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Interviews veterans, their dependents, or survivors and provide services, counseling, and assistance in obtaining benefits, rights, and entitlements. Registers veterans, their dependents, or survivors for employment program services. Determines employer requirements, refers qualified candidates, and verifies satisfactory placement. Conducts home an institutional agency visits/interviews to evaluate personal situations regarding qualifying benefits and services, including compensation, pension, death benefits, education assistance, home loans, insurance and/or hospitalization. Prepares and files claims and supporting evidence for successful adjudication. Consults with medical or legal staff in the development of pertinent evidence to support claims. Conducts presentations on veterans' benefits and service programs to service members and local veterans' organizations. Maintains client files, records and updates database. May prepare and submit reports. May conduct outreach activities to identify veterans, their dependents, or survivors in need of intensive services, claims assistance, and other supportive services. Performs related work as assigned. Requires Bachelor's Degree from and accredited college or university in Social Services, Business or related field. Two (2) years of related experience may be substituted for one (1) year of education. Experience counseling veterans for benefits and services preferred. Must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces and received an Honorable Discharge; or be a widowed Gold Start Mother or un-remarried widow of a service member or veteran whose death resulted from service; or the spouse of a disabled veteran who has a total disability rating based on either having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of 100 percent or on individual unemployability; or the spouse of a retired veteran who served a minimum of 20 years on active duty.

Certificates, Licenses and Registration:

Must become certified by the Texas Veterans Commission within the first (1) year of employment and obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier. Knowledge of laws pertaining to veterans, veterans' benefits and procedures, military law, rules and regulations, and medical terminology. Ability to analyze data and make determinations regarding veterans' benefits and eligibility. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; and, maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, veterans, veterans' dependents, veterans' organizations and the general public. Knowledge of rules, and regulations applicable to the processing of veterans' claims; and of assessment techniques. Skill in interviewing and counseling. Ability to communicate effectively.