VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER 1

Job Summary The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is recruiting for a Veterans Service Officer 1 position located in Carson City, Nevada. Veterans Service Officers advise and advocate for veterans and individuals currently serving in the United States armed forces, their dependents and survivors. This position is responsible for researching federal statutes, laws and regulations pertaining to benefits and claims by military veterans and dependents; interviewing veterans or dependents to prepare for filing claims; reviewing medical records or other sources to obtain evidentiary support for claims; preparing and filing veterans claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA); advocating on behalf of claimants at varying levels of claim and appellate procedures with the DVA; representing veterans at DVA boards and hearings; and performing outreach to inform and assist veterans and the community in obtaining benefits. The ability to maintain client confidentiality in medical record information is required. This position may be required to work occasional weekends and holidays. Veterans Service Officers advise and advocate for veterans and individuals currently serving in the United States armed forces who are State residents, their spouses, widows, widowers, children, dependents, estate and personal representatives; prepare, submit and present claims and appeals for denied benefits including adjusted compensation, hospitalization, insurance, pension, disability compensation, vocational training, education or rehabilitation; provide assistance and advice to resolve problems and answer questions relating to available benefits under federal and State laws. Essential Qualifications Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in any field and one year of professional experience which included interviewing clients to elicit and impart information; researching and locating information from a variety of sources; writing narrative reports and summaries; interpreting and applying rules and regulations; and evaluating complex information and making determinations. Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of professional experience as described above. One year of experience as a Veterans Service Officer Trainee in Nevada State service. An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Under general supervision, incumbents perform a broad range of duties outlined in the series concept, respond to constituent complaints and identify veteran benefit resources. This is the journey level in the series. Advocate for individuals, groups or organizations eligible under federal regulations and State laws related to veterans services and/or benefits; interview clients to elicit information and determine merits of claim and eligibility to receive benefits; identify veteran benefit resources; respond to constituent complaints; research clients’ claims and applicable case law, regulations, medical opinions, medical journals and related medical research publications. Investigate circumstances upon which claims are based; identify, locate, contact and obtain statements from military, medical and lay witnesses to substantiate claim; assist clients in locating and obtaining documentation to support claims such as medical records, military service records, military unit activity reports, order of battle histories, and the construction, mechanical and technical specifications of military vehicles and equipment. Develop the best strategy and course of action for filing Notice of Disagreement and Hearing Requests; calculate monetary benefits; advise clients on the appeal process and provide guidance regarding clients’ responsibilities; obtain a power of attorney to present appeals on behalf of clients; prepare written summaries of findings and contentions including legal citations and references to medical research and journals. Research, prepare, and present arguments in support of appeals; prepare and maintain statistical data relating to claims, monetary awards and medical information within the Nevada Department of Veterans Services and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs databases. Participate in appropriate veterans organizations, committees, stand-downs, separation from service briefing sessions and community events as a representative of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Provide information regarding available veterans benefits, eligibility and appellant action to individuals, groups and organizations in person, on the phone or through written correspondence; visit local hospitals, convalescent homes, and residences to assist individuals in claiming and obtaining the services or assistance to which they are entitled. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages and whole numbers to determine monetary benefits. General knowledge of: State and federal veteran-related regulations and benefits; medical terminology; human anatomy and physiology; military terminology; research techniques to locate medical, military and technical documentation including Internet research or analysis; federal, State, and local social services available to veterans. Ability to: compose grammatically correct reports and memoranda; read and comprehend departmental policies and procedures, legal documents such as federal and State law regarding veterans benefits, medical journals, medical records, military records, order of battle histories, and technical specifications for military equipment; communicate verbally with clients from a variety of educational, economic, social and cultural backgrounds to clearly convey specific information, explain situations and provide information regarding options available; organize work and set appropriate priorities; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; use a personal computer including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. Skill in: speaking publicly to present findings and answer questions; interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies and procedures; interviewing individuals to elicit information. Benefits Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP). Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year. Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year. Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year. Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. Deferred Compensation: Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program. No Nevada state income tax. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment. Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay. Additional Benefits May apply under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on the designated bargaining unit. Recruiter Contact Information Dan LaBarbera, View email address on click.appcast.io Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. #J-18808-Ljbffr