Assistant Veterans Administration Officer - Part Time - Veterans Services

General Summary:
The Part-Time County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is responsible for providing comprehensive support and advocacy to veterans, their dependents, and survivors within Brazos County and surrounding areas. This role includes assisting veterans with the preparation, submission, and management of claims for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government agencies. The VSO will work collaboratively with the full-time VSO and administrative staff to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled.

The VSO will also play a key role in expanding services to veterans by operating out of a satellite office located on the Texas A&M University campus, in partnership with the university.

Essential Duties:
Key Responsibilities:

• Claims Assistance:

o Assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparing and filing claims for VA benefits, including compensation, pension, education, and health care benefits.
o Provide guidance on the documentation required for claims and ensure all necessary evidence is gathered and submitted.
o Follow up on the status of claims and appeals, providing updates to veterans and ensuring timely processing.

• Benefit Counseling:

o Educate veterans and their families on the full range of benefits available to them, including VA benefits, state benefits, and local resources.
o Conduct interviews with veterans to assess their needs and determine eligibility for various programs.

• Advocacy:

o Advocate on behalf of veterans, ensuring their rights are upheld and their needs are addressed by the VA and other government agencies.
o Assist in the preparation and presentation of appeals to the VA and other appropriate bodies.

• Outreach and Education:

o Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness of available services and benefits within the veteran community.
o Develop and maintain relationships with veteran organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders.

• Partnership with Texas A&M University:

o Operate from the Texas A&M satellite office to provide convenient access to services for student veterans and other university-affiliated veterans.
o Collaborate with Texas A&M to promote veteran services and enhance support for the university's veteran population.

• Record Keeping:

o Maintain accurate and confidential records of all interactions with veterans, including claims filed, benefits received, and other services provided.
o Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding veteran records.

• Administrative Support:

o Work in conjunction with the administrative assistant to manage the daily operations of the VSO office, including scheduling appointments, managing files, and handling correspondence.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision
Received: From Brazos County Veteran Services Officer
Given: None

Education
Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred:

Experience
Required: Prior experience working with veterans and/or in a related field is highly preferred. Experience with VA claims processing and an understanding of VA benefits and services is a plus.

Preferred:

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Required: * Must be a veteran, as per state requirements. * Must successfully complete required training and certification programs for Veteran Service Officers. * Ability to travel within the county and to the Texas A&M University satellite office as needed.
Preferred:

Physical Demands
Typical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; bend and kneel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as books and stacks of records. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Typical:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work compassionately and effectively with veterans and their families.
• Knowledge of VA benefits, claims procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment
Typical: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is constantly required to work closely with others as a part of a team to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and switch from one task to another. The employee is frequently required to work under time pressures and meet deadlines.

Pay: From $25.16 per hour

Benefits:

• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25