Veterans Advocate

Summary/Objective

The Veterans Advocate provides direct support to veterans and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs counseling work in advising military veterans and their dependents of their rights and benefits under federal, state and local laws.
• Gathers supporting evidence, completes pension and disability claim applications, and submits to the Department of Veterans Affairs for processing.

Required Skills and Abilities

Must meet the following according to Sec. 434.03:

• Must have served on active duty in a branch of the armed forces of the United States;
• Must have served for at least four (4) months or have a service-connected disability; and
• Must have been honorably discharged or be:
  • A widowed Gold Star Mother or un-remarried widow of a serviceman or veteran whose death resulted from service; or
  • The spouse of a disabled veteran who has a total disability rating based either on having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of 100 percent or on individual unemployability.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma required.
• Two or more years of college coursework in a social welfare or related field preferred.
• Three years of related work experience preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

• Must complete job-specific coursework and achieve certification as required by the Texas Veterans Commission within one year of employment, and maintain certification on an annual basis.
• DD-214 or verification of widowed Gold Star Mother or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran required.

• Daily sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending, pulling, reaching and lifting of items possibly weighing 40 pounds or more.