Veteran's Service Officer

NOTE:
This is a part-time benefitted, 20-hour-per-week position.

Clallam County is seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate professional to serve as a Veterans Service Officer. This position counsels, advises, and assists military veterans, their survivors, and dependents in obtaining benefits available under county, state, and federal laws while serving as supervisor of the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Service Officer applies working knowledge of VA law (Title 38, United States Code), RCWs, and WACs related to veterans’ assistance.

Responsibilities include making independent routine decisions in accordance with County policy, assisting with the completion of benefit applications and forms, handling correspondence, and responding to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from veterans and the public. This role plays a vital part in ensuring veterans and their families receive timely, accurate, and respectful support and advocacy.

• Advise veterans, veterans survivors and their dependents of their rights under military service benefits acts and other relevant legislation
• Investigates and conducts interviews with veterans and their dependents to obtain a comprehensive case history in order that eligibility for aid can be determined
• Assists veterans and dependents in the office and the offices of other public agencies in the preparation and follow‑up of applications for state and federal benefits including home loans
• Reviews and files claims for veteran benefits
• Develop and maintain close liaison with other veteran service agencies
• Assist veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) by initiating or reopening claims
• Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits
• Assist veterans/dependents in appealing denied claims to the local VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.
• Assist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS).
• Assist veterans in applying for available state benefits from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), by initiating or reopening claims
• Assist military retirees and their dependents or survivors in obtaining their benefits from the Department of Defense (DOD)
• Assist veterans in claims and proceedings involving the military services
• Assist veterans in obtaining benefits or services from other agencies
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences and confers with professionals in order to keep up to date on the latest changes in Federal and State laws and regulations
• Assist members and dependents of the National Guard and Reserve Components in obtaining appropriate benefits and assistance
• Performs County-requested duties
• Trains and supervises volunteer workers

Requires knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description.

Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course work in Office Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field, or any combination of education, training and work experience which demonstrates the incumbent is otherwise fully qualified. Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the clerical field or related area specializing in the area or field of assignment specific to the position (any other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis);

an individual should have a great deal of computer knowledge and ability.