Salary: $38,516.00 - $67,404.00 Annually
Location : Cumberland County, NC
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 24-08138 / 60014256
Department: Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs
Division: Military Affairs
Opening Date: 06/18/2024
Closing Date: 6/28/2024 5:00 PM Eastern
Job Class Title: Veterans Services Officer
Position Number: 60014256
Salary Grade: NC09
Description of Work

Recruitment Range: $38,516 - $50,000 *
The North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is seeking applicants for a Veteran's Service Officer position for our State Veterans Affairs Division location in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

This position is engaged in obtaining, compiling, and presenting information pertaining to claims for benefits allowable to veterans and their dependents. This position assists veterans and their dependents by first assessing their needs, and then taking appropriate action to file all available benefits on their behalf. Responsibilities include assisting and coordinating with other Veterans Service Officers (VSO's), Veterans Service Technicians (VST's) and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO's) and assisting CVSO's when needed. Position serves as a liaison between the State Division of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and coordinates the activities of Veterans Service Officers with various divisions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Other duties include reviewing and interpreting current legislation and regulations; determining validity of benefits claims; presenting claim briefs before the Board of Veterans Appeals; reviewing the Board's decision for grounds for appeal; and participating in civic functions to inform the public of services provided to veterans and the rights of their dependents. Work is performed within the framework of State and Federal Laws, rules and regulations and is reviewed through conferences and periodic written reports.
Position's work includes working on difficult cases which may include contacting the Department of Social Services, contacting lawyers, doctors, other professionals and the general public in obtaining information needed when working as the claimant's advocate. Work in this position involves quasi-legal assistance to veterans and their dependents in securing benefits under the laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Position also requires some travel to counties and districts, to include public appearances, as well as interacting with veteran's organizations and federal officials. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

A normal 40 hours work week (M-F, 8am-5pm) is associated with the position; however, workdays will vary- and may include some weekend, after hours and holiday work to allow for Veterans outreach programs, conferences and training.
Position is located in Fayetteville, NC (Cumberland County).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Ability to gather supporting documentary evidence and present claims for benefits before the U.S. Department of Veterans.
• Ability to act as a Veterans Advocate.
• Must possess interviewing skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to listen to and understand the veterans' needs.
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veterans' services and benefits and the functioning of the Veterans Administration
• Ability to recognize the needs of veterans and their dependents, determine the course of action to be followed and pursue action to a justifiable conclusion.
• Ability to establish and maintain favorable working relationships with other members of the department, other government agencies, service organizations and the general public.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with Microsoft Office.

Management Preferences:
Knowledge of Title 38 CFR, M-21, and NCGS 165
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in veteran's services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental and Contact Information

The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) with highly qualified individuals.

Applicants are encouraged to submit an online State Application which may be obtained from the following address: http://oshr.nc.gov/work-for-nc to the Human Resources Division of DMVA by 5 pm on the closing date or the application will be deemed untimely and will not be processed.

The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job
title in the section "Jobs Applied For".

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with your application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference: North Carolina Army National Guard or North Carolina Air National Guard Must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.
Please refrain from submitting multiple applications. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting close date will be accepted. If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.

All required competencies, work history and credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application form to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form. "See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

A competency is defined as a set of behaviors or duties that reflect knowledge skills, and abilities. When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised positions. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an email notifying when the job has been filled.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments:
There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 hours work/week for participation.