Veterans Services Officer

Veterans Services Officer (NS)

The North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is seeking applicants for a Veteran's Service Officer position for our Charlotte Veterans Service Center location in Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, NC (Mecklenburg 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

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