What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterans Services Officer position at Broward County Board of County Commissioners?
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
General Description
Educates and assists veterans and their families regarding Veteran Administrative benefits.
Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social work, sociology, counseling, public or business administration or closely related field.
Requires one (1) year in veterans service work or closely related experience.
Must be an honorably discharged veteran, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran, in accordance with Florida Statute 1979, Sec. 292.11, at time of appointment.
Special Certifications and Licenses
Certification as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs prior to completion of the probationary period.
Must possess a valid Florida Class E Driver's License and be able to obtain and maintain authority to drive on County business.
Preferences
- Masters Degree in related field
- Current certification as a Veterans Service Officer
- Two (2) or more years experience using VetraSpec database
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
This is professional casework involving intake, needs assessment and counseling of veterans, their spouse, and/or their dependents.
Work involves advising and assisting veterans and their dependents on matters pertaining to their rights and benefits under various federal and state statutes. Employees in this class exercise independent judgment within the general framework of good casework techniques, existing laws and established agency policy.
- Conducts assessment interviews; determines client's eligibility for veteran's benefits; provides limited-term counseling.
- Advises and assists veterans or their dependents in presenting claims for disability compensation, death or injury insurance, and other claims for benefits under federal and state statutes; prepares claim forms and assembles pertinent information to establish the validity of the claim. Reviews claims information, briefs, pertinent records and evidence, and prepares application packets as needed.
- Develops comprehensive case plans; develops and maintains case files.
- Represents claimants before various officials as necessary to establish benefits.
- Networks with doctors, health care providers, lawyers, employers and other agency professionals relative to needs and opportunities for disabled veterans.
- Provides outreach, limited support counseling and case management services for veterans and their dependents.
- May make site visits to clients, service providers, or community agencies for outreach or to explain agency services or benefits as required.
- Prepares and presents talks to veteran and civic groups and allied agencies on matters pertaining to veterans' affairs; contacts employers relative to employment opportunities for disabled veterans.
- Prepares narrative and technical reports using a personal computer, using basic office, Department and/or Division-specific software applications.
- Attends staff meetings, conferences and in-service training.
- Serves as a member of the United Way of Broward County's Mission United Advisory Board.
- Performs related work as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
None.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Competencies
- Manages Complexity
Action Oriented
Plans and Aligns
Ensures Accountability
Interpersonal Savvy
Communicates Effectively
Courage
County Core Values
- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Emergency Management Responsibilities
County-wide Employee Responsibilities
All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
