Veterans Services Officer

Position SummaryThe purpose and mission of the Office of Public Health and Safety works to address root causes of crime and reduce violence in Indianapolis neighborhoods. The office convenes public safety and public health agencies along with community partners to execute focused policy efforts in the areas of food security, offender re-entry, and homelessness. The office acts as the coordinating agency for Mayor Joe Hogsett’s violent crime reduction strategies and comprehensive criminal justice reform efforts.

The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. Position is responsible for advising and assisting veterans and dependents in preparing claims for disability compensation, pensions, aid and attendance, rehabilitation training, and burial through the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Incumbent in this position will connect and refer veterans to a wide variety of other veteran and community serving organizations.

Incumbent in this position actions are controlled by established policies and procedures as well as laws and regulations governing standards. Incumbent must work independently and must be utilize sound judgment. Incumbent must have a valid driver’s license. Position reports to the Director Veterans Affairs. The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities Advises veterans, veterans’ survivors, and their family members of their rights under military service benefits acts, Veteran Affairs, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, City, County, and other relevant legislation or organizations Conducts interviews with veterans and their dependents to obtain a comprehensive case history to determine eligibility for Veterans Benefits Administration compensation Prepares claim forms and related documents, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adequacy for purpose for compensation, pension, insurance, educational assistance, vocational training, dependents benefits, hospitalization, burial, discharge reviews, retirement claims, loan guarantees and state veterans benefits Assists claimants in obtaining all relevant medical records, eye-witness statements or any other evidence which may prove relevant to their claim Reads medical records and service histories to evaluate validity of claims Writes and submits initial claims to the VA, while adhering to VA standards and requirements Where needed, assists claimants during the adjudication process through one or all the processes of decisions on claim at the regional level, appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.

C. , and appeal to the U. S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, D. C.

, and other intermediate steps Makes hospital, nursing home, or home visits when needed Attends meetings and training necessary to meet the requirements of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), including meetings for veterans service officers Attends public ceremonies or celebrations held specifically in honor of veterans or helps to coordinate or attend community outreach events Effectively develops and maintains relationships with other veteran service agencies, community organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other government entities Must maintain confidentiality at all times Consistent reporting to the Director of Veteran Services and attending mandatory department/team meetings and training.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to timeQualificationsMust be an honorably discharged veteran who has six (6) months of active service in the armed forces of the United States. Upon hire and within thirty (30) days the incumbent must attend a new service officer orientation provided by the IDVA District Service Officer and/or Staff. IDVA training will provide VSO accreditation and allow access to the VSO system the state is using. The system is currently VetraSpec.

The VSO system is a software that all Indiana VSOs use to submit veterans’ claims. Once accreditation through IDVA is received, the incumbent will apply for the Veteran Service Organizations accreditation, that is contracted with IDVA (such as the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, etc) and pass a written test within one (1) year of hire. The veteran service organization accreditations allows incumbent to represent veterans through the claims process. The veteran service organization accreditation will allow access to the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS).

VBMS is The Veterans Benefits Administration’s software system and requires a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card. The incumbent shall maintain their accreditation through annual training from the IDVA. The incumbent shall also maintain memberships with the NACVSO and the Indiana Veteran Service Office Association by participating in required meetings and training. Must possess good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal ability. Must exhibit emotional intelligence. Must be able to resolve conflicts diplomatically, and consult with partner agencies, organizations, and the public despite disagreements.

The incumbent shall develop and maintain an extensive, accurate knowledge of all laws and regulations pertinent to the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration and all relevant local and state regulations. Must develop and maintain a basic knowledge of relevant medical terminology, procedure, and practice. Must have organizational skills and be able to prioritize tasks. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. This is a very independent role and the incumbent needs to be self-motivated and take initiative.

Preferred Job Requirements And QualificationsHonorably discharged veteran with two (2) years of active military service in the armed forces of the United States. Have two (2) years experience as a veteran service officer and preferably already hold accreditation through a veteran service organization (i. e. American Legion, VFW, DAV). Experience in customer service, outreach coordination, social services and working within the veteran community is preferred. Having a college degree is preferred but not required.