The purpose of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is to serve as a professional representative of veterans and their dependents to help ensure clients receive the full benefits that they are entitled to as veterans, to maintain client records and prepare related reports, and to perform related work as required. 

Mandated by the SC Legislature and funded by the respective county, the VSO is an advocate for Veterans and their surviving dependents. The Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office assists former members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents in filing applications to determine their basic eligibility and conditions of benefit entitlement as administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This may include research, preparation, and development of claims submitted to the VA Regional Office in Columbia.

Types of benefits include but are not limited to: service connected disabilities and non-service connected pension; death pension benefits; burial; medical care; educational assistance, including vocational rehabilitation; guaranteed home loans; government life insurance and other benefits. Members of this office are not trained in Social Security or Department of Defense benefits, but can assist with some of these forms.

Hiring Range: $42,432 - $55,598 (Estimated Annual Salary)

EMPLOYMENT: Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, to include:

* Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

* Optional Life and Disability Insurance

* Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts

* Annual and Sick Leave

* Thirteen (13) recognized Holidays

* Mandatory enrollment in the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan

* Optional Deferred Compensation Program

* Longevity Pay Increases

* Optional Federal Credit Union Membership

* Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training

* Employee Assistance Program

* Employee Well-being Program

For additional resources and answers to questions you may have, please visit the Charleston County Veterans Affairs office website listed below.

https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/veterans-affairs/index.php

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

ESSENTIAL TASKS: The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position.

* Assists veterans and/or dependents in obtaining benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, including disability, medical, pension, death/burial, education, vocational rehab, home loan and life insurance benefits, as well as benefits from other federal, state and local agencies. 

* Interprets complex policies, procedures and laws to clients. 

* Gathers pertinent case information through interviews, research and the corroboration of data, documentation and regulations; verifies information received as appropriate. 

* Prepares and maintains electronic case files. 

* Assesses client eligibility for benefits; refers clients to other agencies for assistance as appropriate.

* Completes and/or assists clients in completing the required forms and compiling the necessary documentation for the application / claims process. 

* Provides on-going case management as assigned. 

* Assists in coordinating department activities with those of other government agencies as appropriate. 

* Advises social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, state institutions, prisons, hospitals, funeral homes and other agencies for rendering assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

DATA INVOLVEMENT:

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information. 

PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT:

Requires mentoring others by advising, counseling or guiding those regarding problems that may be resolved by legal, administrative, or professional principles. 

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid state driver's license. Must complete a three-day training course provided by the SC Department of Veterans Affairs (SCDVA) in Columbia, SC. After attending this course, must successfully pass a 100-question closed book exam that will result in the certification and accreditation as a VSO on behalf of the American Legion and the SCDVA. Additional computer based training must be completed in order to receive the necessary access to numerous VA computer systems. 

JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONS:

Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting veteran clients and others who depend on the service or product. Work is performed in a somewhat fluid and dynamic environment with established rules and procedures.