Veterans Services Officer

Requirements And Preferences

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners' Elderly and Veterans Services Division is seeking qualified candidates for a Veterans Services Officer position.

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.

Required to be certified and accredited by the Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, and Disabled Americans Veterans.

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.

Work is reviewed through evaluation of case records, reports and conferences for adherence to established policy and procedures.

• 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

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 (Work Environment)

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
  
  

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Looks at complex issues from multiple angles; explores issues to uncover underlying issues and root causes; sees the main consequences and implications of different options.

• Action Oriented
  
  

Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Takes immediate, decisive, independent action to resolve issues or problems. Persists as needed. Quickly and consistently identifies and pursues beneficial new opportunities.

• Plans and Aligns
  
  

Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. Strengthens alignment and coordination between own work and others', providing well-sequenced activities and exact time frames. Foresees and resolves many potential bottlenecks and delays.

• Ensures Accountability
  
  

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Tracks performance and strives to remain effective, learning from both successes and failures. Readily takes on challenges or difficult tasks and has reputation for delivering on commitments.

• Interpersonal Savvy
  
  

Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. Picks up on group interpersonal dynamics and finds ways to work effectively within these parameters; resolves difficult interpersonal situations within the team; works to build greater group harmony. Coaches team members on interpersonal skills.

• Communicates Effectively
  
  

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

• Courage
  
  

Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Shares own ideas and points of view openly, regardless of potential criticism or risk; shows conviction when faced with adversity and challenges; raises difficult topics to be sure they are addressed.

County Core Values

All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.

• 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

Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

County-wide Employee Responsibilities

All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

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.