Veterans Service Officer

Job Description

Department:                     Office of Veterans Affairs and Services         

Sub-Department:             N/A

Pay Grade:                      110               

FLSA Status:                   Non-Exempt

Employment Status:       Full Time 

Reports to:                      Director of Veterans Affairs and Services  

Supervises:                     N/A

Location:                         20 N. Hanover St., Ste 103, Carlisle, PA 17013

Work Hours:                    Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, 75 hour pay period

**Starting salary is negotiable based on relevant years of work experience in a similar position**  

Job Summary:

The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) assists veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in obtaining the benefits and services they are entitled to under federal, state, and local laws. This includes providing guidance on benefit eligibility, assisting with claims preparation and submission, and advocating on behalf of veterans.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Interview veterans, dependents, and survivors to determine eligibility for benefits.
• Assist in preparing and submitting claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other relevant agencies. Counsel veterans on benefits such as disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, education, employment, and housing.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case files for each client. Follow up on submitted claims to ensure timely processing and resolution. Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to secure benefits or services.
• Conduct public presentations and attend community outreach events to raise awareness of available services. Develop and maintain relationships with local veteran organizations, service providers, and advocacy groups. Distribute informational materials to educate the public on veteran benefits. Create and manage outreach programs in the county as needed.
• Represent veterans and their families at Veterans’ Board of Appeals hearings and other proceedings. Guide veterans through the appeals process for denied claims.
• Advocate for policy changes to improve services and benefits for veterans.
• Stay current on laws, regulations, and procedures affecting veterans’ benefits through trainings and conferences throughout the year. Participate in mandatory training and maintain accreditation as a Veteran Service Officer.
• Work with administrative staff to keep statistics and the veteran database up to date.
• Assist with administrative tasks, such as reporting and data entry.
• Respond to inquiries from veterans, families, and other stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Provide backup support to other staff as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work: 

Education:

• High school diploma required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, business, or related field preferred.  Relevant work experience may substitute for degree.   
• Some computer experience preferred.
• Must be able to receive and maintain a Veterans’ Service Officer Certification authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the sponsorship of the state or veteran service organizations.
• Initially complete two, one week training courses required to apply for a Veterans’ Service Officer Certification.
• Annually attend a one-week conference to maintain the Veterans’ Service Officer Certification.
• Attend periodic training on various topics to assist with claim development.

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years working experience in governmental or administrative work environment or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Work experience dealing with the public preferred.
• Knowledge of veteran benefits preferred.

Company Description

Mission Statement: To provide impactful and essential county services in the most effective, courteous, and financially responsible manner possible. 

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this job application!

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT/ISSUES WITH APPLYING: 

If you are having technology issues with the application or with uploading your resume and/or cover letter please reach out to KeldairHR Customer Support at support@keldairhr.com or Cumberland County Human Resources at humanresources@cumberlandcountypa.gov. 

EMAIL CONFIRMATION: 

If you do not receive a confirmation email within minutes of your job application submission, please check your email junk and or spam folders.   

Benefits

Medical Benefits:

• Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance 
  • Health Savings Account
  • Wellness program with wellness incentives
• Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance 
• United Concordia Dental Insurance

Retirement Benefits:

• County Retirement Pension 
  • 5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing your contribution over 5% up to 15% post-tax
  • Fully vested after 5 years of credited service
  • Normal Retirement Options:
    • Age 55 with 20 years of credited service
    • Age 60 with any amount of credited service
• Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Military Time Buy Back Options

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation
  • 10 days per year, accrued per pay period (Non-Exempt) 
  • 15 days per year, accrued per pay period (Exempt)
  • Increase for both Non-Exempt and Exempt of 5 days per year after 2 years of service
• Personal
  • 3 Personal days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• Sick
  • 5 Sick days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• 12 Paid County Holidays
  • No waiting period to receive paid holidays

Additional Benefits:

• Educational Assistance
  • 80% of cost of tuition and books up to the annual IRS limit per calendar year (after 6 months of Full-Time Employment)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements must be met
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Resources for: Childcare, Eldercare, Legal, Financial, and Coaching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance

Apply at https://jobs.keldair.com/cumberlandcountypa

Cumberland County is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We are committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.