POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER (VSO)

Reporting and Relationships

Reports to and is under the direct supervision of the Director, Veteran Service Department. The VSO will work in our office located at 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and will be responsible for directly assisting veterans. The manager may approve alternate work locations. This is an EXEMPT position.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Experience

A qualified candidate has a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, prior VSO, VA benefits or VA administrative experience [for at least one (1) or more consecutive years, worked as an active Veterans' advocate with a recognized Veterans Service Organization or on benefits claims as an employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs] or possesses a paralegal certification from an accredited college or university.

Also has superior computer skills; specifically, advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. The employee must be a military veteran or reserve service member or possess a working knowledge of VA benefits and healthcare related laws, regulations, and procedures. The employee must have the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks based upon urgency. The employee should have a commitment to public service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ø  Act as a subject matter expert on the VA disability compensation program and continually expand knowledge through VVA training and other resources.

Ø  Assist veterans and dependents with applying for compensation, pension, appeals, and other benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including but not limited to gathering evidence, submitting written legal arguments, and representing veterans at formal and informal hearings in-person or through videoconference.

Ø  Provide high quality representation to veterans and dependent claimants.

Ø  Review and monitor clients with time sensitive deadlines; routinely review VA rating decisions to ensure that they are complete and accurate.

Ø  Maintain a record claims and assignments while; ensuring all relevant files, documents, and correspondences are properly and timely documented in VVA Is case management system.

Ø  Respond to requests for information and claim status from other VVA Staff, veterans, dependents, Congress, VA, and other VVA Representatives throughout the country;  Advise and educate veterans and dependents on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources.

Ø  Contribute to written VVA publications and guides, and provide feedback to VA when requested, related to service benefits, healthcare issues, and electronic access;

Ø  Complete all mandatory VA and VVA training necessary to maintain accreditation and access to VA information systems

Ø  Adhere to the highest levels of confidentiality and protection of personally identifiable information and the privacy rights of clients

Ø  Assist with the development, coordination, and execution of training, including on the job training opportunities.

How to Apply:

 Please submit your resume by replying to this job posting.

Job Type: Full-time position

Work Location: Silver Spring, MD

Company website: https://www.vva.org

The U.S. Department of Education has determined that VVA is a qualified employer as defined in the Student Loan Forgiveness Act.

To build a diverse and more inclusive work environment, VVA strongly encourages veterans, minority, women, and people with disabilities, retirees, and LGBTQ+ candidates.

VVA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. It is VVA's policy to be fair and impartial in all relations with employees and applicants for employment and to make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other category protected by law.