Veterans Service Officer I

Buncombe County is seeking a dedicated and service‑minded Veterans Service Officer I to join our Veterans Services Office in a full‑time, in‑office role, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position plays a vital part in supporting our veteran community by assisting individuals seeking North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, completing intake interviews, managing case files, and providing knowledgeable guidance rooted in a strong understanding of veterans' laws, eligibility requirements, and available resources. If you are committed to public service, skilled in communication and case management, and passionate about helping veterans navigate essential programs, we invite you to consider joining our team. Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to assist veterans seeking NC Department of Veterans Affairs specific benefits and services and to perform a wide range of support services for the Veterans Services Office to include reception, programmatic and administrative support duties. Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduation from a four‑year college or university; or four (4) years of active‑duty service; or equivalent years of experience in related veterans service work. Additional Training and Experience: Experience working with veterans and the Federal Veterans Administration. Honorably discharged veterans preferred. License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Maintain accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer through the NCDMVA (NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs); maintain accreditation through the American Legion. Essential Functions of the position: Process applications for NC Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services, including serving as lead for State specific benefits. Complete initial Veterans Services intake interviews, process applications for eligible services and manage cases to monitor and report any changes. Maintain case management system to track, update and monitor status of claims to facilitate office workflow and organize so supervisors, co-workers and other agency personnel may retrieve cases needed for review. Provide administrative and clerical support to the Veteran's Services Program Administrator and staff. Provide direct customer service to veteran community by providing referrals to appropriate services and resources. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Thorough knowledge and understanding of current veterans' laws, eligibility criteria, regulations, policy, and guidelines as well as agency policy, regulations, and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply the various laws, regulations and directives relating to veterans’ benefits, and to explain these in simple terms to others. Ability to elicit information and explain complex programs and policies in easily understandable terms to individuals of varied educational, social, and economic backgrounds. Ability to communicate in a tactful and courteous manner to establish a rapport with clients and their dependents, exercise sound judgment, and effectively de‑escalate individuals. General knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant. Ability to identify areas in which the client experience could be improved upon and make the appropriate recommendations for improvement. Ability to analyze and comprehend a variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, reports, and complex data. Ability to effectively multitask in a busy environment, prioritize responsibilities, implement changes, organize, and adjust workflow strategies to ensure timely customer service. Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective. It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination. #J-18808-Ljbffr