Veteran's Service Officer I Full Time
: Job Details :

JOB SUMMARY:Under limited supervision, assists clients with preparing, presenting, and prosecution of VA benefit claims for military personnel, veterans, their dependents and/or survivors. Assists clients with the application for all services provided by the Veterans Assistance Commission. Consults and corresponds with clientele and the community on an ongoing basis relative to law changes, amendments and deletions which may affect eligibility or the policy of any number of given veterans programs; interviews and advises clientele, and research applicant's military, social, educational, vocational and medical histories to gather information to develop and support claims. Under supervision assists in the development of programs and services identified by the Commission as needed by the veteran's community.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:* Interviews, advises, and counsels military personnel, veterans, their dependents and/or survivors on Veteran's Administration benefits, military benefits, retirement plans, TRICARE benefits, survivor benefit plans, and other state and federal benefits; identifies and evaluates the problems of clientele and provides thorough solutions to solve material, financial, medical and social needs within the framework and program guidelines of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC).* Responsible for the delivery of services provided by the office; answers to the Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent public for any situations occurring in the office; makes sure VAC procedures are being followed.* Prepares and/or assists in preparing claims occurring because of military service for pensions, insurance, hospitalization, education, employment, and in ascertaining that all material is accounted for to expedite eligibility and adjudication.* Makes independent decisions relative to complex issues and claims; prepares and reviews extensive written appeals; clarifies Veteran's Administration claim decisions for applicants; reviews claims that are denied; prepares and develops new evidence for appeal briefs to be submitted to the Veteran's Administration for decision review; reviews, analyzes and develops pertinent information for review of claims to the Board of Appeal and upgrading discharges before the Armed Forces Board of Review.* Develops and maintains liaison with local, state, federal and community organizations; secures information relative to services and benefits available from hospital administrations, mental health services, sheriff departments, other county officials, township officials, probation officers, job service representatives; unemployment representatives and many other social agencies; represents the department in various community activities, explaining functions of the department and available benefits.* Assists in training newly employed officers and/or associates in the local or field office work routines; attends departmental meetings to stay attuned to emergent policy and procedural developments that impact agency operations.* May serve as an itinerant service officer, answering inquiries and preparing claims in assigned counties and/or offices, organizing material and evidence, supporting documents and personal information concerning each individual claimant to interpret claimant's eligibility for benefits.* Performs other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:* Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years college with emphasis in business administration or public administration. Requires one year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work or other work involving extensive public contact.* Employees must obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation within their probationary period (first year). Failure to achieve accreditation will result in termination of employment. Accreditation is achieved by:*

A passing score from the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers basic accreditation course.* Successful completion of the Department of Veterans Affairs, training and certification testing.* Requires annual continuing education while fulfilling the duties of a Veterans Service Officer.* A typical work week can include weekend hours.Other Requirements:Per Illinois Compiled Statues 330 ILCS 45/10 preference is afforded to:* Honorably discharged US Military veterans including those who served or may still be serving in the Illinois National Guard or a Reserve component of the US Armed Forces.* US Military veterans with a General Under Honorable Conditions for reasons other than Misconduct.* The spouse or surviving spouse of a US Military veteran as described above.* The child of a US Military veteran as described above.Licenses and Certifications:Valid Driver's LicenseCandidate will be provided training for the various certificationsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES CANIDATES WILL OBTAIN:Knowledge of:* Knowledge of Federal and State rules, regulations and statutes relative to veterans benefit programs.* Knowledge of VA and IDVA benefits and programs.* Must be familiar with case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans claims.* Knowledge of the terminology, symptoms and occupational consequences of common diseases and disabilities.* Knowledge of Social Security, Medicare and all need-based federal and state programs.BENEFITS:* 3 Medical plans, 2 dental plans, and 2 vision plans to choose from.* Pension: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)* Nationwide Retirement Solutions (457 and Roth457) plans* Standard Life insurance policy with the option to buy up additional coverage for EE and dependents.* Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs* Paid vacation, sick, personal days and 14 paid holidays.McHenry County is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, Veteran status or disability.