Title:  Veterans Service Officer I

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Veterans Service Officer I (VSOI) provides initial point of contact support and assists Arapahoe County residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents with initiating and understanding Federal and State Veterans Benefits and ensuring these clients obtain the earliest effective date to maximize benefits available.

The Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs requires assistance to Veterans and their families in compliance with Sections 28-5-801 et seq. Colorado Revised Statues in receiving their benefits such as, but not limited to:

• Claims application and processing
• Burials
• Health services
• Education Benefits

DUTIES:

• Create a hospitable first impression and:
  • Assists in face-to-face meetings with veterans and family members with the intent of understanding their concerns and needs.
  • Assists with daily operations of the County Veterans Service Office by answering phones, greeting clients, scheduling/confirming appointments, providing basic information to the public, and doing basic intakes for clients.
  • Assists in the initiation of benefit claims to ensure veterans receive the earliest effective date through completing initial claims paperwork such as establishing powers of attorney, completing intent to file claims with the VA as well as verifying eligibility for state benefits such as disabled Veteran license plates.
  • Enters data into the EmpowOR Database system and researches data as needed for their claims.
  • Scanning, numbering, organizing and uploading claim evidence to prepare veterans for a structured meeting with their VSO II.
  • Provides resource referrals for veterans to community partners, agencies, and organizations as requested by clients, and consults with community care partners to ensure the veteran understands partner benefits eligible through the community.
  • Maintains a database of current partners and services they provide.
  • Assists with duties related to Veterans Assistance Grant applications including basic eligibility intakes and gathering of supporting documentation for applications. Other duties as assigned which may include assisting with preparation for outreach events and other special events, ordering and/or picking up supplies as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with required training, certification and continuing education credits to maintain accreditation with the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs.
• Assists with daily operations of the County Veterans Service Office by answering phones, greeting clients, scheduling/confirming appointments, providing basic information to the public, and doing basic intakes for clients.
• Develops an understanding of community service providers that can assist veterans outside of the scope of the VSO practice such as employment, housing, emergency rent/food/utilities, and other basic needs that will assist in improving the lives of veterans.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalence 
• At least 3 years of experience with office systems management, administrative assistant duties and client relations, or customer service.
• Must have served in the military and have been honorably discharged, released, or retired from the military. Must be able to present a copy of DD Form 214.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate of Arts in Office Management, Office Administration, or related field

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Post-Employment Requirements:

• Complete VA Trip Training within three months of employment and obtain accreditation through the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs and the Office of General Council within six months.
• Obtain VBA Citrix access and access to the VA’s Veterans Benefits Management System within one year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.
• Occasional project site visits may be required.
• Participation in community events and training may require travel throughout the County and may require flexible scheduling on occasion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 80% of the time sitting and 20% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 15 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 15 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.