Veterans Service Officer - Veterans Services

State of Idaho Opportunity

Idaho Division of Veterans Services- Caring for America's Heroes

Veterans Service Officer

Applications will be accepted through the posting end date.

Summary:

The Division of Veterans Services (IDVS) has an opening for a full-time Veterans Service Officer in our Pocatello Office of Veterans Advocacy. The position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. This position provides technical assistance to veterans and their dependents in obtaining entitled veteran benefits, provides training and information, and is a liaison to veteran service staff and affiliated organizations.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Program administration:

Typical responsibilities: reviews benefit applications to ensure Idaho veterans are receiving entitled benefits; ensures compliance with federal and state laws governing veteran benefits; provides veteran benefits, legislative information, and/or training to county service officers, veteran organizations, and the public; provides input to develop program goals, priorities, and budgets; authorizes expenditures from the Veteran's Emergency Relief Program; reviews benefit claim forms for completeness and accuracy.

2. Technical assistance:

Typical responsibilities: interviews clients, assesses needs and eligibility; provides guidance to veterans and dependents in obtaining entitled medical, death and educational benefits and disability compensation, pensions, insurance, and housing; assists veterans in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits; confers with medical experts and others to resolve questions of benefit entitlement; provides information to help claimants receive benefits without resorting to an appeal or determines grounds for an appeal; obtains power-of-attorney and represents claimants; presents cases, submits documents, questions witnesses, and references applicable regulations; refers denied claims to appropriate national office for administrative review; advises clients of eligibility for Armed Forces, dependent identification cards, and for upgrading discharges; initiates claims for increased pension benefits for state veteran nursing-care patients and domiciliary residents; maintains records of case reviews for statistical accounting and follow-up.

3. Public relations:

Typical responsibilities: serves as liaison between county service officers, veterans' organizations, hospitals, and government agencies; serves on veteran boards and committees.

• Minimum Qualifications:

Experience conducting and documenting sensitive fact-finding interviews to resolve problems or determine eligibility for programs or services; entering and retrieving data using a computerized records system; managing a workload with conflicting priorities. Valid driver's license.

WE OFFER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BEYOND COMPARE:

• Excellent low-cost Health, Dental and Vision insurance.
• Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems PERSI Retirement.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eleven paid holidays a year.
• Multiple retirement plans, including an optional 401k & Deferred Compensation plan.
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness programs.
• Robust ongoing training opportunities.
• Benefits Summary (Download PDF reader).

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.