Veteran Services Officer

To apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/olmsted/jobs/4419857/veteran-services-officer

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human services or related field and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

A combination of education and experience equivalent to five (5) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Must meet the qualifications set forth in MN Statute 197.601 to include:

• Residence in the state of Minnesota;
• Citizenship in the United States;
• Veteran as defined in section 197.447;
• Education and training for the duties of veteran service officer within six (6) months of employment;
• Knowledge of the law and the regulations and rulings of the United States Veterans
• Administration applicable to cases before it and the administration thereof within six (6) months of employment.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Achieve and maintain certification by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as a County Veterans Service Officer or Assistant Veterans Service Officer according to MN Statute 197.605 within one (1) year of employment.
• Complete the necessary requirements to obtain the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs within one (1) years of employment.

Nature of Work

Promotes the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors in order to enhance their quality of life through counseling, benefit claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects.

Examples of Work

• Maintains office records, including file generation, data privacy provisions and retention policy and standards
• Implements changes in existing programs, new benefit programs or legislation that affects veterans
• Prepares and submits claims, forms and documents for persons to secure benefits for the appropriate agency
• Responds in a professional and timely manner to general questions and inquiries about veterans programs
• Collaborates with veteran organizations, may make presentations to communicate changes in programs or new programs
• Prepares applications for temporary financial assistance from the State Soldier's Assistance Program for veterans and dependents when appropriate
• Counsels and advises veterans, their relatives, dependents or survivors regarding benefits availability and eligibility
• Assists veterans/dependents in preparing appeals of denied claims for benefits to the local VA Regional Office, the Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C.
• Collaborates with area non-profits organizations on poverty reduction and other community and veteran initiatives
• Completes other activities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the laws, procedures and applicable techniques used in preparing and submitting veterans benefits requests
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs sufficiently to comply with them
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and medical conditions sufficient to understand the causes and interrelationships relevant to disease and disability
• Math skills sufficient to accurately calculate amounts of assistance, determine need and eligibility for benefit programs
• Ability to understand and interpret complex laws, rules and regulations and precedent court opinions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with disabled and sometimes mentally ill clients, veteran's organizations, other governmental agencies, other employees and the general public
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned, and the prepare such materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, other agencies, and the public

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

To apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/olmsted/jobs/4419857/veteran-services-officer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,057.00 - $113,651.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Rochester, MN 55904: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person