Veterans' Service Officer I at State of Vermont

OverviewThe Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs is looking for a Veteran Service Officer I who will play a pivotal role to veterans by facilitating their access to benefits, which they may have otherwise not received. They will actively work to serve the needs of Vermont veterans and their families and will undergo training to be certified and accredited as a Veteran Service Officer.Duties Include:Learning the legal and procedural requirements in order to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.Interviewing veterans and family members to gather information to file a claim with the federal VA.Gathering records and files to substantiate a claim.Processing the necessary forms and letters needed to support the claim.Tracking the claim process from beginning to end, to include justifiable appeals of denied claims.Outreach to veterans is conducted state-wide, some travel is required.Who May ApplyThis position, Veterans' Service Officer I (Job Requisition #51980), is open to all State employees and external applicants.If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected] will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.Environmental FactorsDuties are generally performed in a standard office setting, but extensive field work will necessitate private means of transportation. Adversarial situations may be encountered for which tact and diplomacy will be needed. Clients with mental health challenges may be encountered for which awareness of the situation, patience, and consideration for safety will be needed.Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent AND two (2) years or more work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting.OROne (1) year of college coursework in a Human Services or relevant field AND one (1) year of work experience at a technical level in an administrative, human services, or counseling setting.Preferred QualificationsExperience working with Federal and State veterans benefits and services.Special RequirementsMust become accredited by the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veteran Service Officer within the first year of employment and must maintain re-accreditation in each subsequent year.Must complete US Department of Veterans Affairs requirements for claims representation within the first 6-months of hire to include: Pass TRIP training, finger printing requirements, and a federal background check through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.Must continuously hold a valid driver's license.Total CompensationAs a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their familiesWork/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave planState Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) planTuition ReimbursementFlexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accountsLow cost group life insuranceIncentive-based Wellness ProgramQualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramWant the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.