Pinellas County Government
Veterans Services Officer
Pinellas County Government, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States, 33701
Veterans Services Officer 1
Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, and want to assist veterans navigate their benefits and entitlements? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If you answered yes, we have a great opportunity for you! This is specialized work assisting veterans and their dependents in claiming authorized benefits and entitlements. An incumbent may lead and guide clerical staff in coordinating office operations. Employees in this class are responsible for interviewing and counseling veterans and their dependents and processing claims, appeals and questionnaires involving compensation, pension, hospitalization, insurance, outpatient treatment, educational assistance, loans, rehabilitation, and other entitlements. Duties include determining eligibility and ensuring that claims are processed professionally within the general framework of existing laws, rules, and regulations governing veteran entitlements. Case management is reviewed by management prior to being dispatched, although considerable discretion is granted in allotting time and resources to each case. The incumbent reports to a manager or designated supervisor. Serving locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, this position does require occasional work during nights, weekends, and holidays. This Veterans Services Officer 1 position is located at: 501 1st Ave North Suite 514 St. Petersburg, FL, must be able to work Countywide. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with some weekend and after hours work in conjunction with Community Outreach What You Would Do Interview, counsel and assist veterans and their dependents in applying for compensation, disability claims, pensions, death benefits, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, insurance and other entitlements. Answer inquiries regarding the interpretation of laws, rules and regulations regarding veterans' benefits and entitlements. Assist children of veterans killed or disabled in action in applying for educational benefits under appropriate regulations. Make field visits to incapacitated applicants to initiate or follow up claims or actions. Refer veterans and their dependents to other federal, state and local agencies for services as required. Maintain liaison with other agencies and organizations involved with veterans and their affairs and prepares and makes presentations before civic and veterans' organizations regarding veterans affairs. Train clerical staff in procedural and policy matters. Performs related work as assigned or required. What Do You Need Must be a veteran (or the surviving spouse of a veteran) and meet the requirements in Title 38, U.S. Code and Florida Statute 292.11 applicable to Florida County Veteran Service Officers High school degree or equivalency diploma and 4 years of administrative experience; or Associate's degree and 2+ years of experience. Bachelor's or higher-level degree and some experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience. Must receive VSO certification within the first year of employment. Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations. Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report. Highly Desirable Certified by Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs and the Florida Association of County Veteran's Service Officer Credentialed by VBA Office of General Council (OCG number). Possess a current PIV card. Accredited as a Service Officer Representative with FDVA, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans or other VSO. Knowledgeable of laws and regulations pertaining to veterans' benefits and the standard policies for processing claims under appropriate laws. Ability to communicate effectively with customers and in front of a public audience. Why Choose Pinellas County? When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a jobyou're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area: Comprehensive Benefits Package
: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family. Florida Retirement System (FRS)
: Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow. Generous leave time
: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work. Wellness Program
: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness. Deferred compensation
: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals. Want to learn more? Review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.
Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, and want to assist veterans navigate their benefits and entitlements? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If you answered yes, we have a great opportunity for you! This is specialized work assisting veterans and their dependents in claiming authorized benefits and entitlements. An incumbent may lead and guide clerical staff in coordinating office operations. Employees in this class are responsible for interviewing and counseling veterans and their dependents and processing claims, appeals and questionnaires involving compensation, pension, hospitalization, insurance, outpatient treatment, educational assistance, loans, rehabilitation, and other entitlements. Duties include determining eligibility and ensuring that claims are processed professionally within the general framework of existing laws, rules, and regulations governing veteran entitlements. Case management is reviewed by management prior to being dispatched, although considerable discretion is granted in allotting time and resources to each case. The incumbent reports to a manager or designated supervisor. Serving locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, this position does require occasional work during nights, weekends, and holidays. This Veterans Services Officer 1 position is located at: 501 1st Ave North Suite 514 St. Petersburg, FL, must be able to work Countywide. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with some weekend and after hours work in conjunction with Community Outreach What You Would Do Interview, counsel and assist veterans and their dependents in applying for compensation, disability claims, pensions, death benefits, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, insurance and other entitlements. Answer inquiries regarding the interpretation of laws, rules and regulations regarding veterans' benefits and entitlements. Assist children of veterans killed or disabled in action in applying for educational benefits under appropriate regulations. Make field visits to incapacitated applicants to initiate or follow up claims or actions. Refer veterans and their dependents to other federal, state and local agencies for services as required. Maintain liaison with other agencies and organizations involved with veterans and their affairs and prepares and makes presentations before civic and veterans' organizations regarding veterans affairs. Train clerical staff in procedural and policy matters. Performs related work as assigned or required. What Do You Need Must be a veteran (or the surviving spouse of a veteran) and meet the requirements in Title 38, U.S. Code and Florida Statute 292.11 applicable to Florida County Veteran Service Officers High school degree or equivalency diploma and 4 years of administrative experience; or Associate's degree and 2+ years of experience. Bachelor's or higher-level degree and some experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience. Must receive VSO certification within the first year of employment. Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations. Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report. Highly Desirable Certified by Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs and the Florida Association of County Veteran's Service Officer Credentialed by VBA Office of General Council (OCG number). Possess a current PIV card. Accredited as a Service Officer Representative with FDVA, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans or other VSO. Knowledgeable of laws and regulations pertaining to veterans' benefits and the standard policies for processing claims under appropriate laws. Ability to communicate effectively with customers and in front of a public audience. Why Choose Pinellas County? When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a jobyou're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area: Comprehensive Benefits Package
: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family. Florida Retirement System (FRS)
: Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow. Generous leave time
: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work. Wellness Program
: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness. Deferred compensation
: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals. Want to learn more? Review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.