STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER

State Veterans' Service Officer - 50000973

Starting Annual Salary: $45,479.98

Paid bi-weekly. Excellent retirement package and optional deferred compensation plan. Health, vision, dental, disability, and other supplemental insurance available at reasonable premium rates. Paid vacation and sick leave. Nine (9) paid holidays and personal day. Tuition waiver available for State Universities and Community Colleges (up to 6 credits per semester).

Education and employment history must be verifiable. Please attach any credentials you claim (degrees, certifications, etc.) to your application.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant must have served as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and separated from such service with an honorable discharge. A DD-214 member copy 4 or comparable document MUST accompany your application.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license.
• Must have the ability and willingness to deal effectively and professionally at all times with diverse individuals.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with others.
• Effective team player.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Strong organization skills and ability to multi-task.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years' employment experience as a Veterans Service Officer or comparable title / experience counseling and handling veterans' affairs.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. E-7 or above rank may substitute for the required education.
• Direct experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in web-based applications and specialized internet research.
• Experience with FDVA Vetra-Spec and VA VMBS program applications.

Position Description

The incumbent will be assigned to the Bureau of Field Services, Bay Pines VA Medical Center, in Bay Pines, Pinellas County. The primary responsibility of the incumbents in the positions allocated to this class is to perform administrative and professional duties required to work within the medical clinic and vet center as needed, interviewing veterans and family members, preparing and submitting claims for benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. This task will be accomplished using established policies and procedures to ensure that all phases of assigned duties are covered. Advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits and support. Meet, interview, counsel, using VA Data systems and obtain information in order to prepare and submit claims for any / all federal and state benefits that each client may be entitled to receive. Assist in preparing and perfecting "appeals", provide representation at fee basis, hardship eligibility hearings, request for waivers of federal entitlements, military discharge review hearings or Regional Office VA hearings as required. Review and interpret VA laws, rules and regulations affecting veteran's entitlements in applying for federal and state veterans' benefits. Respond to telephonic or written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, Post, Chapter, County, and State Veterans' Service officers with accurate and complete information. Provide accurate and current information relative to problems with the administration of benefits with the local agency of jurisdiction, process daily incoming mail and correspondence. Complete forms and documents utilizing the Department's Systems. This includes entering all clients' information into the computer database. If working in a medical center or hospital, visit each new admission to the medical center at the request of the veteran or health care provider within 48 hours of the request. Assist all accredited organizations, state, county or others in obtaining medical information necessary to support claims for benefits. Maintain rapport and liaison with VA outpatient staff regarding case development and treatment to support claims processing and advocacy issues. Confer with clinic, service center and medical center staff as required. Safeguard and protect all private medical information and claims information in accordance with appropriate regulations and statutes. Represent the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs by providing briefings and information on State and Federal veterans benefits at local events, military bases, medical center meetings, and community fairs and other events as determined your supervisor and the department. Represent FDVA on committees, advisory boards and consumer service programs established at VA medical centers and satellite outpatient facilities. Deploy and provide assistance during State emergencies such as providing assistance at disaster recovery centers (DRC) throughout the state after natural disasters. Assist in preparing forms, obtaining signatures, financial data, and personal information for veterans requesting admission to State Veterans' Nursing Homes. When necessary visit and provide assistance to the home in completing applications, verifying eligibility and financial data and assisting family members in obtaining state and federal veterans' benefits. Visit and provide on-site assistance, claims preparation and submission of claims to all Florida National Guard units in the geographical area. Maintain contact with all guard and reserve units and active military installations in the Florida geographical area. Perform other related duties to include but not limited to, attendance at conferences, outreaches, seminars, schools of instruction and upon request serve as an instructor, or speaker at public events. Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

This position is in the Career Service System. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Veterans' Preference. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Location: BAY PINES, FL, US, 33744

Nearest Major Market: Tampa