Job Description

Job Title: Lead Veteran Service Officer

Status: Non-Exempt, Full time

Job Summary:

The Lead Veteran Service Officer (Lead VSO) is responsible for training and supporting Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) while managing the accurate and timely filing of veteran benefits claims. The Lead VSO will work closely with site leadership to ensure high-quality services for veterans and their families, ensuring the team's compliance with all relevant policies and regulations. This role requires extensive knowledge of veterans' resources and benefits, as well as excellent communication and training skills to effectively guide and support other VSO staff.

Job Duties:

• Train and mentor VSO staff on veterans' benefit claims processes and best practices.
• Develop and update training materials to ensure staff compliance with changes in veterans' benefits laws.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to VSO staff to maintain high standards of service and accuracy.
• Plan, coordinate and administer the activities and programs of the County Veterans’ Services office. 
• Coordinate veterans’ programs with other Federal, State, and County programs, outside agencies, and public and private organizations.
• Manage and participate in public information and outreach activities to educate and offer services to veterans; represent the program and make presentations to various community groups.
• 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.
• Complete initial application, or reopen exiting claims, for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability).
• Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s).
• Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veteran’s military colleagues, family members, or other sources.
• File application for eligible veterans for education under the GI Bill, or for vocational rehabilitation.
• Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
• Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
• Assist a veteran or the eligible survivor of a veteran in obtaining Veterans Administration home loan benefits.
• Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
• Enter all claims information in appropriate electronic records management applications
• Keep in contact with VA Officials and the veteran’ Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims.
• Assist veterans/dependents in appealing denied claims to the local VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officer, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.
• Assist veterans in obtaining medical, financial, or other information necessary for the appeal.
• Assist veterans in preparation for personal hearings at the VARO, to include accompanying them to the hearing, if necessary.
• Assist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS).
• Do all required paperwork, and obtain all necessary records for the VAMC’s or CBOC’s to accept the veteran for care as an inpatient or outpatient.
• Work with the VAMCs or CBOCs to schedule necessary appointments for the veteran.
• Assist veteran in obtaining transportation the VAMCs or CBOCs.
• Work with VA professional in obtaining public health services, home health care, or placement in local nursing homes or the state Veterans homes.
• Assist veterans in applying for available state benefits from the state Department of Veterans Affairs, by initiating or reopening claims.
• Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for the following state benefits for veterans and their dependents:
• Subsistence program for disabled veterans or surviving dependents. 
• Dental program for veterans and dependents.
• Optical program for veterans and dependents.
• War Orphans Education program for the eligible surviving dependents of certain deceased veterans.

• Appeal denied claims when appropriate.
• Ensure that the veterans and their dependents in the service area are aware of these benefits.
• Assist military retirees and their dependents or survivors in obtaining their benefits from the Department of Defense (DOD):
• Assist in applying for or troubleshooting military retiree benefits, or other problems that arise.
• Advises retirees in medical insurance benefits or TRICARE, and help in filing those claims.
• Help retirees or their dependents with military I.D. Card applications.
• Assist veterans in claims and proceedings involving the military services.
• Assist a veteran in applying for a correction of military records or an upgrade or character of separation from the service.
• Investigate history of unit, through Department of Defense, to prove that Veteran was in a combat zone, or a specific battle, to qualify for specific benefits.
• Assist veterans in obtaining benefits or services from other agencies.
• Advise veterans and their dependents on services from Social Security, Small Business Administration, and other agencies.
• Work with the County Human Services Department to maximize ALL potential benefits.
• Assist veterans in obtaining help from local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to confer with professionals in order to keep up to date on the latest changes in Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Keep current on legislative and legal actions of federal and state veterans benefits.
• Assist members and dependents of the National Guard and Reserve Components in obtaining appropriate benefits and assistance.
• Provide information to deployed service members and their dependents about assistance programs during deployment and benefits upon return from active duty.
• Attend and speak at information meetings for service members and their families.
• Work with Family Assistance Centers in obtaining help for deployed service members families.
• Maintain an outreach booth at various local events, including the county fair, to show visibility in the community and increase public awareness.
• Serve as the county’s liaison to the veteran’s service organizations in the county or service area.
• Appear regularly before the county veteran’s organizations to brief members on current information on veteran’s benefits.
• Speak to other community organizations at their request.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Objectives, principles and procedures of veterans’ programs and benefits.
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to veterans’ benefits.
• Organization and procedures of federal and state agencies governing veterans’ affairs.
• Counseling and interviewing techniques.
• Needs, problems, and issues of the veteran community.
• Agencies, organizations and community resources related to veterans’ programs.
• Basic medical terminology used in legislation, regulations and claims presentation.
• Basic office practices and procedures, including correspondence, recordkeeping telephone techniques, filing systems, and operation of common office equipment and computers-all compliant with HIPAA confidential regulations and requirements.
• Correct English usage, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling.

Education, Certifications, and Experience:

• B.S. in social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in veterans' services, with a focus on benefits administration and case management.
• Certification as a Veteran Service Officer by the Veterans Administration 

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local veterans' benefits, as well as the agencies that administer them.
• Proven leadership and training skills, with the ability to effectively guide and support team members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working with diverse populations, including those with physical and mental health needs.
• Proficiency in standard office technology and software, with meticulous attention to detail in data entry and recordkeeping.

Offering:

$32.05 - $37.39 per hour to start. 

Comprehensive and competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, employee assistance program, holidays, volunteer day, birthday holiday, generous vacation time off, and a 34-hour work week. 

This position is hybrid remote eligible.