Veterans Services Officer

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!!

Please apply by: Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

Salary Range: $55,120.00 to $68,900.00 per year. This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Community Support Services (CSS) transforms lives and community by supporting veterans, ending homelessness, treating substance use, and preventing and intervening in community and domestic violence. As a department in Mecklenburg County’s Health and Human Services Agency, CSS maximizes community partnerships and collaborative opportunities to improve access to services and advocate for the needs of special populations.
Position Summary

Advise and explain to local veterans and/or their dependents of their rights and entitlements under various Federal and State laws. This position, under general supervision, is responsible for developing disability benefit claims by ensuring all pertinent documentation is submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the veterans and/or their dependents; and serve as an advocate to not only secure disability benefits to veterans and/or their dependents, but to assist them in obtaining healthcare, education, employment, housing, financial assistance, and other benefits that they may be entitled to.
Essential Functions

Interview veterans, their dependents and other affiliates and evaluates their needs and problems to determine their rights, benefits, privileges, or obligations under laws administered by the Veterans Administration
Develop and process a variety of claims for benefits such as disability compensation and pension, death pension and compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, life insurance benefits, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, as well as other benefits administered
Review and examine service medical records, military personnel records, private medical records and other documents and sources to obtain evidence to present to the Veterans Administration Rating Board to substantiate claims for benefits
Appear before Veterans Administration Rating Boards, presents, and answers questions pertaining to a claim, justifies requested action, and appeals unfavorable board decisions
Build relationships and works closely with private medical physicians and specialists to establish a referral system for veterans who need diagnosis and treatment to substantiate their VA disability claims
Present veterans’ programs to various organizations; keeps veterans and dependents informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges
Keep veterans, dependents, and the community informed of legislative actions affecting their rights and privileges
Ability to work a flexible schedule in order to assist veterans and their family members in various locations throughout Mecklenburg County.
Participate in outreach events and engage with veterans, their family members, and community providers when necessary
Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience working with military veterans' services or related human services experience
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes
Licenses and Certifications:
Ability to obtain and maintain the Department of Veterans Affairs certification within one year of employment
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a County Driving Privileges
Preferred Qualifications

Current accreditation as a VSO highly preferred.
Associate degree in a human services field preferred.
Military service preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of
State and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Veterans Services and benefits and functioning of the Veterans Administration
Forms, procedures, and informational sources used in applying for benefits
Other state and federal social and rehabilitative services and benefits available to clients
Services offered by the county and other local and private community based service agencies
Skills
Providing customer service
Performing mathematical calculations
Reading and interpreting legal documents
Applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
Preparing reports
Managing complex caseloads in multiple programs simultaneously
Conducting interviews
Conducting research
Managing databases
Abilities
Building Customer Loyalty: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty
Building Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
Quality Orientation: Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time
Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed
Computer Skills
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise
Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.