Veterans’ Service Officer/Outreach Coordinator (PT)

The Veterans’ Service Officer is responsible for providing information regarding benefits and claims assistance to Chester County veterans. Assist in coordination and attendance of department outreach events in collaboration with the Director. 

• Advise and assist Veterans and dependents in presenting claims or obtaining rights or benefits under any law of the United States or of this state, including but not limited to service-connected compensation, non-service-connected disability pension, survivors’ pension, documents and award requests, discharge upgrades, health benefits, and educational benefits. 
• Determine appropriate benefits for clients; obtain documents necessary to substantiate claims (e.g. medical evidence, service history, employment verification and history, witness statements, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce documentation, custody documentation).
• Make recommendations on financial assistance applications based upon applicable guidelines.
• Submit completed claims and applications to appropriate agencies in a timely manner.
• Participate in a community outreach function to inform the public of services provided for veterans and dependents.
• Complete Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Property Tax Exemption Applications.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects/events, as required.

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Accreditation granted by Department of Military & Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA) to assist claimants in the preparation of claims for benefits or the ability to obtain and maintain the accreditation within one year of employment.
• One to two years of experience in claims processing, intake assessments, interviewer or a related field.
• Experience in coordination of outreach events
• Must have a strong commitment to providing quality services to veterans, their dependents and survivors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations in a productive manner.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Epitomizes a kind and perceptive person who cares about the needs of veterans and their families.
• Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve routine problems.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Completion of military service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces and separation under honorable conditions. 
• Accredited Veterans’ Service Officer.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regional veterans' community.
• Working knowledge of veterans’ benefits allowed under federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of case management policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of coordination of outreach and collaboration with community partners
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Office Suite Skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; kneel, stoop, squat or crouch; and lift items.  Occasionally, employee will be required to walk and drive a vehicle to and from different locations. 
There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.
Work Environment:

• Will work in an office setting most of the time.

Other:

• May require use of a private vehicle. 
• There will be a need to work extended hours and/or weekends
• Must be able to attend seminars and lectures, as necessary.
• Must be able to travel to regional offices and the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center.