Veterans Service Officer (Veterans Affairs Department)

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position provides services to Berks County veterans, their widows, dependents, and orphans. The position is responsible for assistance and coordination of information and programs for veterans. Responsibilities include performing a variety of administrative tasks, as well as providing benefits service to veterans and the public.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Counsels and assists veterans and/or their eligible family members to provide information on their entitlement VA benefits.
2. Prepares and submits benefits claims on behalf of veterans and/or their eligible family members to appropriate agencies.
3. Establishes, maintains, and reviews the case files in terms of assistance needed and provided.
4. Maintains and updates veteran information in various software programs and in the veteran's files.
5. Coordinates and disseminates information on County, State, Federal and private veterans' programs, and benefits.
6. Works in conjunction with State and Federal veteran offices and with local veterans' organizations to assistance veterans.
7. Answers the phones, greets, and provides assistance/answers to inquiries and walk-in clients.
8. Coordinates County and Federal burial applications.
9. Coordinates and maintains schedules of veterans needing transportation and makes arrangements for volunteer drivers.
10. Provides administrative assistance to the Director of Veterans Affairs.
11. Follows and implements records management and archival guidelines for the department's documents and publications.
12. All other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

1. Develops content to the Veterans Affairs and associated websites, then coordinates updates with technical specialists.
2. Maintains the office military museum.
3. Attends various training events and meetings, as directed.
4. Prepares a continuity plan for assigned responsibilities in the event of absence.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency. Associates degree preferred in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Business Administration/Management.
• One (1) year of experience in advanced office administration.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Required to obtain and maintain accreditation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs with training sponsored by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs within one year of assignment to the position.
• Veterans Status Required.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of County, State, and Federal veterans' programs, benefits, and procedures.
• Knowledge of local veterans' organizations, programs, and community resources.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing veteran's services and assistance.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local HIPAA regulations and policies pertaining to the protection of personal health information.
• Ability to communicate and express ideas and maintain a professional atmosphere with clients and co-workers.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with officials and representatives of state, federal, and community agencies, veterans, families, and the public.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced working environment and the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to operate general office equipment and perform routine clerical work.
• Ability to type at a speed of 47 WPM from clear copy with 85% accuracy.
• Knowledge of office administration methods, practices and procedures and the ability to make arithmetic calculations.
• Skill in the operation of a variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time and the ability to lift and carry files and office documents up to 20 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment. Position may require travel throughout and beyond Berks County. Incumbent needs access to transportation.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

About Us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:


Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.

About the Team

Mission Statement:


It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.