Veterans Service Officer (Veterans Affairs Department)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position provides services to Berks County veterans, their widows, dependents, and orphans.

The position is responsible for assistance and coordination of information and programs for veterans.  Responsibilities include performing a variety of administrative tasks, as well as providing benefits service to veterans and the public.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions
1.

Counsels and assists veterans and/or their eligible family members to provide information on their entitlement VA benefits.
2.

Prepares and submits benefits claims on behalf of veterans and/or their eligible family members to appropriate agencies.
3.

Establishes, maintains, and reviews the case files in terms of assistance needed and provided.
4.

Maintains and updates veteran information in various software programs and in the veteran’s files.
5.

Coordinates and disseminates information on County, State, Federal and private veterans’ programs, and benefits.
6.

Works in conjunction with State and Federal veteran offices and with local veterans’ organizations to assistance veterans.
7.

Answers the phones, greets, and provides assistance/answers to inquiries and walk-in clients.
8.

Coordinates County and Federal burial applications.
9.

Coordinates and maintains schedules of veterans needing transportation and makes arrangements for volunteer drivers.
10.

Provides administrative assistance to the Director of Veterans Affairs.
11.

Follows and implements records management and archival guidelines for the department’s documents and publications.
12.

All other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions
1.

Develops content to the Veterans Affairs and associated websites, then coordinates updates with technical specialists.
2.

Maintains the office military museum.
3.

Attends various training events and meetings, as directed.
4.

Prepares a continuity plan for assigned responsibilities in the event of absence.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:


* High school diploma or G.E.D.

certification from a recognized issuing agency.

Associates degree preferred in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Business Administration/Management. 


* One (1) year of experience in advanced office administration.


* Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.


* Required to obtain and maintain accreditation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs with training sponsored by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs within one year of assignment to the position.


* Veterans Status Required. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:


* Knowledge of County, State, and Federal veterans’ programs, benefits, and procedures.


* Knowledge of local veterans’ organizations, programs, and community resources.


* Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing ve...