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Form of workSalary : $38,896.00 Annually
Location : Harrisburg, PA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01920
Department: Veterans Affairs
Opening Date: 11/29/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Internal Requisition Number: 176000-01-23
Description
Dauphin County Office of Veterans Affairs is currently accepting applications for the full-time, day shift position of Veterans Services Officer. An employee in this position provides benefits and services to Pennsylvania veterans by managing and maintaining a caseload of claims for veterans' benefits, services and resources from the initial claims application through to the final determination of benefits. The employee in this role determines eligibility for benefits based upon Federal Veterans Laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed with considerable independence and may be subject to review upon completion. He/she determines best arguments, approaches and information to present at appeal hearings. He/she is responsible for but not limited to performing the following essential functions: provides advice, assistance and guidance to veterans and their beneficiaries through outreach, intake, and counseling services for all available benefits, services and programs for which they may be eligible in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C., Title 51 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and all other applicable county, state or federal law. He/she navigates and supports veterans throughout all stages of benefit claims processes; prepares applications for benefits that meet the statutory requirements of law for the type of benefit concerned; provides representation and quality advocacy in the preparation, presentation, and securing of claims for benefits; assists veterans in the claims development process to obtain evidence required to support a successful claim for veterans' benefits.
The employee in this role conducts claimant interviews to develop claims and assist claimants with submitting fully developed claims for benefits; corresponds with medical professionals to obtain medical evidence to support claims for benefits; provides required forms to medical professionals to aid in the successful claim for benefits, including HIPAA waivers; reviews all decisions made by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) to ensure the veteran and/or beneficiary achieved maximum benefit attainment under current law, IAW Title 38 U.S.C.; and reviews claims denial decisions rendered by the USDVA prior to the appeals process; prepares appeal cases for claimants resulting from unfavorable decisions by the USDVA. The Veterans Services Officer prepares claimants for the appeal hearing by reviewing evidence relevant to the case and appeals policy and procedures; represents claimants to the Board of Veterans Appeals; supports regional Veterans Court by attending court sessions to provide advocacy to Veterans whom are involved in the legal system and to provide expert advice to the judge and court administrators regarding benefit and service eligibility for veteran defendants; provides assistance to veterans in seeking employment and re-employment, obtaining entrepreneurial and business opportunities, access to financial resources, networking and education; prepares and submits applications for state-mandated financial assistance programs under IAW Title 51, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute and rules/regulations established by the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission; assists in the dissemination of information to County Directors of Veteran Affairs, veterans service organizations and non-profit veterans' groups by mail, telephone, e-mail and by attending various meetings; establishes contact with veterans' organizations, USDVA, county, state, and federal agencies and other private and public agencies to facilitate the rendering of services to veterans and their dependents; and performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Requirements
Other Requirements
Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
An excellent Dauphin County (County) paid benefit package is available to all full-time employees the month following 60 days of employment. The premium sharing for the following is below:
Location : Harrisburg, PA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01920
Department: Veterans Affairs
Opening Date: 11/29/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Internal Requisition Number: 176000-01-23
Description
Dauphin County Office of Veterans Affairs is currently accepting applications for the full-time, day shift position of Veterans Services Officer. An employee in this position provides benefits and services to Pennsylvania veterans by managing and maintaining a caseload of claims for veterans' benefits, services and resources from the initial claims application through to the final determination of benefits. The employee in this role determines eligibility for benefits based upon Federal Veterans Laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed with considerable independence and may be subject to review upon completion. He/she determines best arguments, approaches and information to present at appeal hearings. He/she is responsible for but not limited to performing the following essential functions: provides advice, assistance and guidance to veterans and their beneficiaries through outreach, intake, and counseling services for all available benefits, services and programs for which they may be eligible in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C., Title 51 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and all other applicable county, state or federal law. He/she navigates and supports veterans throughout all stages of benefit claims processes; prepares applications for benefits that meet the statutory requirements of law for the type of benefit concerned; provides representation and quality advocacy in the preparation, presentation, and securing of claims for benefits; assists veterans in the claims development process to obtain evidence required to support a successful claim for veterans' benefits.
The employee in this role conducts claimant interviews to develop claims and assist claimants with submitting fully developed claims for benefits; corresponds with medical professionals to obtain medical evidence to support claims for benefits; provides required forms to medical professionals to aid in the successful claim for benefits, including HIPAA waivers; reviews all decisions made by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) to ensure the veteran and/or beneficiary achieved maximum benefit attainment under current law, IAW Title 38 U.S.C.; and reviews claims denial decisions rendered by the USDVA prior to the appeals process; prepares appeal cases for claimants resulting from unfavorable decisions by the USDVA. The Veterans Services Officer prepares claimants for the appeal hearing by reviewing evidence relevant to the case and appeals policy and procedures; represents claimants to the Board of Veterans Appeals; supports regional Veterans Court by attending court sessions to provide advocacy to Veterans whom are involved in the legal system and to provide expert advice to the judge and court administrators regarding benefit and service eligibility for veteran defendants; provides assistance to veterans in seeking employment and re-employment, obtaining entrepreneurial and business opportunities, access to financial resources, networking and education; prepares and submits applications for state-mandated financial assistance programs under IAW Title 51, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute and rules/regulations established by the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission; assists in the dissemination of information to County Directors of Veteran Affairs, veterans service organizations and non-profit veterans' groups by mail, telephone, e-mail and by attending various meetings; establishes contact with veterans' organizations, USDVA, county, state, and federal agencies and other private and public agencies to facilitate the rendering of services to veterans and their dependents; and performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Requirements
- Bachelor's or associate's degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field with one or more years of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for veterans' benefits and services programs (dependent on education level). Must earn valid accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Services Officer or eligibility for accreditation within one year from date of employment. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial class C driver's license or equivalent.
- One year as a Veterans Services Specialist, DMVA; or five years of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefit programs, which included one year of experience with veterans' benefits and services programs; or three years of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefit programs, which included one year of experience with veterans' benefits and services programs, and an associate's degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field; or one year of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for veterans' benefits and services programs, and a bachelor's degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements
- Attends meetings, trainings, seminars as required.
Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
An excellent Dauphin County (County) paid benefit package is available to all full-time employees the month following 60 days of employment. The premium sharing for the following is below:
- Dental:
Single - $4.00 per month
Family - $8.00 per month - Vision:
Single - $1.00 per month
Family - $2.00 per month
- The following benefits begin immediately:
- Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Military Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Nine Paid Holidays Per Year
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Plan
