Veteran Services Officer

Company: Crook County
Location: Prineville
Posted on: June 28, 2025

Job Description:

Summary The primary duties of this position involve counseling and assisting military veterans and their dependents or survivors. Work involves assisting and advising claimants in their pursuit of benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies. Duties include studying and explaining State and Federal veterans’ legislation, regulations and procedures, consulting with medical care providers, preparing veterans benefit claims, and consulting with other government agencies to ensure that their clientele are receiving the maximum level of assistance and benefits to which they are entitled. Essential Job Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Reception Coverage & Administrative Assistance · Provide excellent customer service, greet visitors, and direct them to the individual or information needed to assist them · Perform regular administrative duties including but not limited to answering phones, taking accurate and clear messages, delivering and receiving mail and confidential documents, scheduling appointments · Run department errands as needed · Prepare claim sheets for invoices received · Gather and provide resource information as requested and needed · Accumulate and assemble data from a variety of sources and prepare reports as needed Veterans Service Officer · Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability). · Assist veterans in applying for available state benefits from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), by initiating or reopening claims. · Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s). · Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veteran’s military buddies, family members, or other sources. · File application for eligible veterans for education under the GI Bill, or for vocational rehabilitation. · Counsel and advise survivors of a deceased veterans in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits. · Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance. · Veterans Administration home loan benefits. · Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits. · Enter all claims information on computer and stats on the County tracking worksheet. · Maintain claims information in VetraSpec. · Keep in contact with VA Officials as the veteran’s Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims. · Assist veterans/dependents to the best of ability within the VA guidelines, in appealing denied claims to the local VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C. · Direct veterans on how to obtain necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS) and research information. · Access and obtain information regarding claims from Veteran Benefit Management System (VBMS). · Maintain confidentiality according to HIPPA rules. Outreach · Support implementation of coordinated strategies to promote services and connect resources with the veteran community · Provide coverage at community meetings and gatherings as needed General · Training in IS 100, 200, 700, 800, 300, 400 · Basic core functions for emergency response Competencies Knowledge of: · Federal rules, regulations, and statutes of the VA and ODVA · Case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims · Etiology and relationship of medical conditions · Medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology · Social Security, Medicare, and all need-based federal and state programs · Knowledge of legal documents and processes necessary to substantiate claims benefits. Skills: · To read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. · To respond to common inquiries or, complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. · To work with and apply mathematical concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, to practical situations. · To actively listen in order to identify client needs and develop a course of action · To define problems, collect date, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. · To interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables. Ability to: · Ability to write and complete accurate claims in order for Veterans to receive the appropriate benefits. · Understand, interpret, and apply federal laws and regulations. · Understand and interpret medical records and statements. · Prepare written statements on behalf of claimants. · Assist in preparation of oral presentations on behalf of claimants. · Express technical information in clear oral or written manner · Counsel, advise, and appropriately connect distraught claimants to resources, some who are mentally ill and/or chemically dependent. · Possess the organizational skills to handle multiple complex claims simultaneously. Performance Indicators 1. Timely response to organization-wide initiatives and requirements (i.e. policy compliance, workforce surveys, training documentation) 2. Timely submission of reporting requirements for each assigned program area, including Programmatic and Operational Plan outcomes 3. Utilization of project management software to support department-wide initiatives including website and social media communications Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is a full- or part-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some weekends and evenings may be required for travel, events, and/or training. This position qualifies for limited flexible scheduling options if/when coverage allows, as approved by the department Director. Travel Local and regional travel for presentation, events, and training may be expected. Required Education and Experience · Associate’s degree in relevant field · 2 years experience in social services, health care, administration, or related field · Any equivalent combination of service, training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job Preferred Education and Experience · Bachelor’s degree · 3 years equivalent training/experience in social services, health care, administration, or related field · Current or previous accreditation as a Veteran Service Officer · Experience filing claims and navigating state and/or federal systems Additional Eligibility Requirements · Must obtain and maintain accreditation as a County Veterans Service Officer according to ODVA. · Must hold a valid Oregon driver’s license · Able to complete a thorough employment and criminal history check · Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test · Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions) Safety Sensitive Requirements This position is considered to be a safety sensitive position subject to drug screen(s) and adherence to all vaccine/immunity requirements for the healthcare setting. AAP/EEO Statement · This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause. · Crook County is an equal opportunity employer Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Keywords: Crook County, Bend , Veteran Services Officer, Legal , Prineville, Oregon