Outreach Programs Specialist/Veterans Service Officer (Northern Utah)

Are you willing to work Weekend availability?
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Job Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve those who served us? In this position, you can help get information and resources to our veterans and military.

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (DVMA) is searching for an Outreach Program Specialist/Veterans Service Officer (VSO). This position will work in the Davis, Weber, Cache Valley, and Box Elder areas. Travel will be necessary as part of Opening for Outreach Activities. As part of this position, you will counsel, advice, and assist Veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits provided for them by County, State, and Federal Law. VSO acts as advocate and case manager for Veterans in need of such services. The Outreach Program Specialist/ Veterans Service Officer position requires the ability to work on complex case work as well as building a network of community partners to better serve the Veteran community. You will be reaching out to veterans and their beneficiaries with information about and assistance in accessing their benefit.

Principal Duties
As a VSO , you will:Conduct program eligibility assessments, to include interviews of Veterans and family/beneficiaries to advise them of their rights under Veterans benefits acts.
Provide referrals to other agencies to help meet the needs of the clients that cannot be met by the Veterans benefits act
Effectively Navigate: VA.gov and Veterans.utah.gov
Effectively communicate the following:Educate: on available State and VA BenefitsState Benefits – Tax Abatement, Veteran Resource Center, In-State Tuition, Department of Workforce Services, License Plates, Legal Assistance, State Park Pass, Cemetery, State Veterans Homes, First Time Homebuyer Program, Homelessness, Military Retirement tax, and others
VA Benefits – Compensation, Pension, Healthcare, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) -Education & Training, Unemployability, Burial & Survivor, Housing, Transportation, Military Records, Homeless Veterans, and others
Inform: regarding eligibility criteria required for VA to grant Service-Connected Disability (SCD), Burial Benefits, and Survivor Pension Benefit/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and other benefits
Manage: the Claimant’s Expectation in the benefits process by helping:claimants understand their role in filing for benefits
your role in helping the claimant file for benefits
the VA’s role established by law, in granting benefits
Effectively Conduct Appointment including complex compensation and pension claims
Effectively Conduct Appointment including complex compensation and pension claims
Manage documents and claims while safeguarding Personal Identifying Information (PII)
Prepare and Submit VA Benefits Claims
Composes correspondence regarding inquiries on other Veterans related matters
Participate in representing VMA in Meetings and Committees with VA Staff and Community Partners
Answer VBA, VHA, and Congressional Inquiries in clear, concise, and prompt manner
Perform other duties as assigned
The Ideal Candidate
The best qualified candidate will:Become a VA certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO), within 6 months from date of hire
Be able to complete all required State and Federal training within the timeframe required
Have an acceptable driving record as demonstrated by a recent printout by the Department of Motor Vehicles
Work well under pressure, to include de-escalation
Have computer proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, the internet and email
Be able to demonstrate knowledge of outreach methods, interviewing and assessment techniques as identified in this announcement
Demonstrate knowledge and commitment to advocate for Veterans’ needs
Demonstrate ability to work as a member of a team and to work effectively with other community agencies in the best interest of the participant and the agency
Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining a security clearance, if needed.

Preferences
Preference will be given to veterans and disabled veterans with an honorable discharge.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Here are some of the knowledge, skills and abilities that are typically associated with the job, though not all-inclusive:Have a complete working knowledge of (VBA) requirements concerning the processing of claims for all types of veterans benefits.
Must be able to develop a knowledge, where required, to process claims for other governmental benefits, such as: compensation, pension, Special Service Connected benefits, medical, education, life insurance, death benefits, G.I. loans, and records.
Ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
Ability to functionally supervise volunteers.
Ability to deliver presentations or training.
Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing.

Supplemental Information
Travel required throughout the State
Some weekend and holiday work will be required, on an as needed basis
Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining a security clearance, if needed.
Working Conditions – Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
Physical Requirements – Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
Department of Human Resource Management rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state employees.

Why You Should Join Our Team
The work we do matters. If you want to make a positive difference doing meaningful work, this is the right place for you. At the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs we strive to make Utah the best state in the nation to perform military missions and be recognized as a premier location for Veterans, service members and their families to live and succeed.

Aside from working for a cause-driven, hard working agency that thrives on helping our military, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Working for the State of Utah provides a positive work-life balance. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer.

The Agency
The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DVMA) has a friendly and welcoming environment that will help make the entry into the position an easy one.

For more information on DVMA, please click here.