Veterans' Service Officer (Vso) - Vermilion (Danville)

Position Overview

The Veteran Service Officer position at Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs plays a vital roll in enabling and assisting veterans in obtaining the assistance and benefits they are entitled to. This position also serves as a beacon of light to our veterans to show that they are not alone, and there is someone, like you (potential candidate) here for them. This unique opportunity offers an exceptional benefit package to include health insurance, including eye care and dental, Deferred Compensation, life insurance and retirement. If you desire to become a valued member of a hard-working and respected team and up for a challenge or a change in your current career, please take this opportunity to apply for this rewarding and gratifying position.

Job Responsibilities

• 25% Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents regarding applicable benefits
• 15% Serves as liaison with various county, state, and federal agencies, in establishing veteran’s entitlements to benefits, resources and services
• 5% Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans' Service Officers
• 35% Acts as Service Officer for the Field Services Division within the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs whilst managing the operation of a field office, with emphasis on claims and the origination of appeals
• 5% Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above
• 15% Represents the IL Department of Veterans' Affairs at various community affairs and public events, explaining the functions of the IL. Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis in business administration or public administration
• Requires one (1) year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work or any other type of work involving extensive public contact
• Requires an honorable discharge from service in the Armed Forces of the United States (during a recognized period of hostilities)

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• One (1) year of experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, veterans, dependents, community organizations and other stakeholders in the veteran community
• One (1) year of experience examining, interpreting and explaining complex decisions affecting clientele regarding claims issues, and appropriately advising them of their responsibility in relation to benefit awards
• Working knowledge of office management skills and techniques
• One (1) year of experience explaining federal and state veterans’ legislation to the public
• One (1) year of experience analyzing and interpreting service records, private medical records, and reports in terms of establishing entitlement to Veteran's Administration benefits
• Extensive knowledge of the benefits and services available to veterans, their spouses and family, and the federal and state laws and regulations governing their administration
• One (1) year of experience managing an office efficiently and effectively, to provide services to military personnel, veterans, their dependents and/or survivors, and to maintain records as required by the agency or organization
• Extensive knowledge of the department's veterans’ programs and the operating policies and procedures
• One (1) year of experience making informed decisions in accordance with the laws of the federal and state government governing veterans’ benefits and services and expressing related ideas clearly in written and/or oral form
• One (1) year of experience preparing and presenting topical speeches to veterans’ groups and other interested parties

Conditions of Employment

• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related policies and guidance
• Requires ability to obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation within their probationary period. Failure to achieve accreditation will result in termination of employment
• Requires ability to re-accreditation every 5 years while fulfilling the duties of a Veterans Service Officer. Failure to maintain accreditation will be grounds for further training and adverse personnel action
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to obtain Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) of Claims certification and maintain required training throughout employment