Veterans Services Officer

Agency & Veterans Affairs Division 70000018 Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs Job Classification Title Veterans Services Officer (NS) Position Number 60014253 Grade NC09 About Us The NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs / Military Affairs Division is tasked with 23 specific functions that involve working with federal, state, local, regional, and industry partners to support activities at North Carolina military installations and improve economic outcomes and the quality of life for our military and veteran communities. The NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs / Veterans Affairs Division, in accordance with Chapter 143, General Statues of North Carolina - assists Veterans, their families, and their dependents in obtaining or maintaining privileges, rights, and benefits to which they are entitled under Federal State or Local laws. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences NC09: $41,206 - $72,113 Description of Work The North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is seeking applicants for a Veteran's Service Officer position for our Winston-Salem State Service Center location in Forsyth , North Carolina . This position is engaged in obtaining, compiling, and presenting information pertaining to claims for benefits allowable to veterans and their dependents. This position assists veterans and their dependents by first assessing their needs and then taking appropriate action to file all available benefits on their behalf. Responsibilities include assisting and coordinating with other Veterans Service Officers (VSO's), Veterans Service Technicians (VST's) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO's) and assisting CVSO's when needed. Position serves as a liaison between the State Division of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and coordinating the activities of Veterans Service Officers with various divisions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Other duties include reviewing and interpreting current legislation and regulations; determining validity of benefits claims; presenting claim briefs before the Board of Veterans Appeals; reviewing the Board's decision for grounds for appeal; and participating in civic functions to inform the public of services provided to veterans and the rights of their dependents. Work is performed within the framework of State and Federal Laws, rules and regulations and is reviewed through conferences and periodic written reports. Position's work includes working on difficult cases which may include contacting the Department of Social Services, contacting lawyers, doctors, other professionals and the general public in obtaining information needed when working as the claimant's advocate. Work in this position involves quasi-legal assistance to veterans and their dependents in securing benefits under the laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Position also requires some travel to counties and districts, to include public appearances, as well as interacting with veteran's organizations and federal officials. Other duties may be assigned as needed. A normal 40 hours work week (M-F, 8am-5pm) is associated with the position; however, workdays will vary-and may include some weekend, after hours and holiday work to allow for Veterans outreach programs, conferences and training. Position is in Winston -Salem, NC (Forsyth County). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies: Documented experience gathering supporting documentary evidence and presenting claims. Documented experience with State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to veteran's services and benefits and functioning's of the Veterans Administration. Documented experience with interviewing skills to recognize the needs of veterans and their dependents, determine the course of action to be followed, and pursue action to a justifiable conclusion. Documented experience leading a group of Counselors/ Veteran services officers Demonstrated experience working with Microsoft Office. Management Preferences: Documented experience as a Veterans Advocate Prior legal experience preferred. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in veterans' services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience Supplemental and Contact Information: The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) #J-18808-Ljbffr nc