Veteran Service Officer- Arches Sheltering

The ARCHES Veteran Services Program is seeking a Veteran's Service Officer to join their team! The Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) functions as an advocate responsible for assisting veterans and their family members in obtaining the maximum amount of VA benefits they are entitled to under federal, state, county, and local law. The VSO maintains an in-depth knowledge of veteran benefit programs, requirements for eligibility and how to apply for these programs by keeping up to-date and abreast of VA case law, continuously researching and applying the latest federal court decisions to individual veteran claims. The VSO also functions as the county authority in the knowledge and application of VA law, federal regulations and VA policies for the benefits of veterans.
Candidates must submit application by 1/10/2024 in order to be considered for first round interviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required of this position.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in social services, psychology or a business-related field and two years of office administration experience, which involves working with the public. Experience managing caseloads required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITES

• Must have considerable knowledge of HIPAA national standards.
• Must have knowledge on benefits, eligibility requirements and resources available to veterans.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
• Ability to interpret and apply the law to various situations relating to veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to effectively de-escalate heightened interactions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Driver Qualification Status Required. Valid driver license and insured vehicle available for use on the job with satisfactory drive record for the previous 3 years.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Must obtain Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) Veterans' Service Officer Certification within 12 months of hire.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Meets with and interviews veterans, spouses of veterans, and other dependents, with the intent of helping them file for and access all available benefits.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with Veterans, Veteran groups and government agencies.
• Investigates background facts and information needed to support claims, identifies what documentation is required, and assists claimants in obtaining pertinent records.
• Identifies and assists claimants in filling out proper forms and obtaining pertinent records to initiate claims.
• Identifies potential deficiencies in a claim and communicates this information with the claimant seeking benefits.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Maintains calm dispositions and regulates emotions when clients, staff, or others may become escalated.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Close quarters, often with a client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Indoor, office work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Working with coworkers/clients over the phone and in-person.
• Occasional noise and distractions in work spaces.
• Occasional remote work.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.
MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.
**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, please apply at mwvcaa.org/careers/.
If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.