Veterans Service Officer – Garner, NC

* Salary Grade: 69 * Recruitment Range: $38,125 – $44,500 *

The North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is seeking applicants for a Veteran’s Service Officer position for our State Veterans Affairs Division location in Garner, North Carolina. This position is engaged in obtaining, compiling, and presenting information pertaining to claims for benefits allowable to veterans and their dependents. This position assists veterans and their dependents by first assessing their needs, and then taking appropriate action to file all available benefits on their behalf. Responsibilities include assisting and coordinating with other Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s), Veterans Service Technicians (VST’s) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO’s), and assisting CVSO’s when needed. Position serves as a liaison between the State Division of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and coordinating the activities of Veterans Service Officers with various divisions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Other duties include reviewing and interpreting current legislation and regulations; determining validity of benefits claims; presenting claim briefs before the Board of Veterans Appeals; reviewing the Board’s decision for grounds for appeal; and participating in civic functions to inform the public of services provided to veterans and the rights of their dependents. Work is performed within the framework of State and Federal Laws, rules and regulations and is reviewed through conferences and periodic written reports. Position’s work includes working on difficult cases which may include contacting the Department of Social Services, contacting lawyers, doctors, other professionals and the general public in obtaining information needed when working as the claimant’s advocate. Work in this position involves quasi-legal assistance to veterans and their dependents in securing benefits under the laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Position also requires some travel to counties and districts, to include public appearances, as well as interacting with veteran’s organizations and federal officials. Other duties may be assigned as needed. Position is located in Garner, NC (Wake County).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
Requirements for this position include gathering supporting documentary evidence and presenting claims for benefits before the U.S. Department of Veterans. Work will require extensive knowledge of Title 38 CFR, M-21, and NCGS 165 as well as the ability to act as a Veterans Advocate. The State Service Officer must possess interviewing skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to listen to and understand the veterans they are working with. The preferred applicant will have a thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to veteran’s services and benefits and functioning’s of the Veterans Administration. Individual will possess the ability to recognize the needs of veterans and their dependents, determine the course of action to be followed, and pursue action to a justifiable conclusion. Preferred applicant will possess the ability to establish and maintain favorable working relationships with other members of the department, other government agencies, service organization and the general public. Preferred applicant will also possess some knowledge of the human anatomy and the effect of disease and injury to the body as well as some knowledge of human psychology. Applicant should have favorable interpersonal/customer service skills, supervisory experience and experience working with a personal computer and Microsoft Office software packages. Preference will also be given to applicants who have experience working as a counselor or advocate. Preferred applicant will have experience using the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) data retention phone system (or similar phone information data system), and will document that experience on their application. The preferred applicant will have graduated from a four-year college or university and have four years of experience in veteran’s service work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in veteran’s services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
: Must be an honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty in the armed forces during the period specified in Section 101 (21)(A), Title 38 USC, and as required for membership in certain veterans’ organizations. This requirement authorizes Veterans Service Officer employees to examine veteran military files which are classified confidential, and does not imply knowledge and skills needed for performance of work. New Hires must undergo Veterans Service Officer training and become accredited with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs within six months of hire.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Candidate must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4) form to the State application form in order to receive Veterans Preference credit. Candidate must have a valid NC Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.