Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Under the direction of the Veterans Service Officer, the Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) is  responsible for providing assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents regarding and any and all benefit entitlements from county, state and federal agencies set forth by law.  This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides technical assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors, and local government agencies by responding to inquiries and providing necessary information.
• Assists eligible veterans in procurement and proper completion of federal veteran’s benefit application forms and researches and determines applicable laws, eligibility requirements and claim status, as necessary.
• Responsible for processing benefit claims and various Department of Defense (DOD) applications, ensuring Federal and State regulations are followed.
• Serves as a liaison for all veterans’ related issues.
• Counsels veterans, dependents, and survivors in determining benefits for which the individual may qualify.  Explains policies and procedures and provides information and resources.
• Locates and obtains various documents, such as birth/death records, marriage licenses, discharge documents, medical evidence from military and civilian sources, based upon information received from the client.
• Conducts visits to local hospitals, nursing homes, and residences for veterans and dependents that are unable to travel. 
• Visits the local VET Center, Employment Office, VA Medical Center, and other agencies throughout Allen County, staying current on information regarding veteran benefits, as well as current Federal and State legislative issues regarding veterans.
• Screens incoming claims for State veteran burial benefits to ensure entitlement, inputs data and composes correspondence, and requests Presidential Memorial Certificates for next of kin.
• Maintains files of claimants, assistance provided, and hours worked and prepares monthly reports of department activities for County officials and State veteran’s administration.
• Maintains inventory of necessary applications and related forms and literature, ordering materials as needed.
• Attends Veterans Service Officer meeting and training seminars as required by Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Attends veterans’ organization and related meetings, representing Allen County as designated, and integrating and distributing information pertaining to state and federal veteran’s benefits as requested.
• Provides assistance to local government agencies and assists veteran’s organizations as requested.
• Makes presentations to various veteran and civic groups throughout the year.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED and two years related experience and/or training working with veterans
• Ability to obtain and maintain accreditation through the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs
• Must be an honorably discharged veteran who has at least six (6) months active service in the armed forces of the United States.  Must have DD 214.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Veteran’s benefits preferred
• Valid Driver’s License to visit local hospitals, nursing homes, residences of veterans and/or their dependents, the local VET Center, Employment Office, VA Medical Center, and other agencies throughout Allen County
• Ability to perform work in a high stress, fast-paced office environment in order to handle a large volume of in-office visits and phone calls
• Strong computer skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, representatives of regional Veterans Administration and to complete appropriate reports in a timely manner
• Ability to counsel individuals under tremendous emotional distress

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) performs work that is broad in scope and of substantial intricacy when providing technical assistance to veterans, dependents, and survivors in determining benefits for which the individual may qualify. Judgment is needed when processing benefit claims and various Department of Defense (DOD) applications, ensuring Federal and State regulations are followed.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) provides substantial contributions while serving as a liaison for all veteran related issues and providing assistance to local government agencies and assisting veteran’s organizations. Decisions and recommendations are reviewed for overall accomplishment and impact upon agency mission, policy, or practice.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) maintains frequent contact with veterans, their dependents/survivors, other County employees, government and non-governmental agencies and the public when assisting veterans and their families with the establishment of claims to secure privileges, rights and benefits to which they are entitled to.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) works in and out of an office setting with frequent sitting and the ability to move about freely.  Some lifting of up to twenty pounds and bending is required.  Frequent proofreading and very frequent typing and attention to detail exist.  The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) works frequently with clients who may be argumentative and/or emotionally distressed.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Ability to obtain and maintain accreditation through the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs

Valid Driver’s License required for visiting various agency locations in Allen County.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Veterans Service Officer

HOURS:

Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and as needed; some weekend and holidays required; 37.5 hours/week; Including overtime as required