JOB POSTING: DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER (DSO)

Charles Pickett

About the job

COMPANY: Department of Connecticut, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Inc.

SALARY: $38,000 to $42,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

COMPENSATION: PTO for vacation, holiday, and sick days

HOURS 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday (8:00am to 4:30pm)

LOCATION: Newington Veterans Affairs Clinic 555 Willard Ave. RM 3133, Newington, CT 06111-2631

Nature of Work:

Performs the duties and activities set forth by the VFW, Department of Connecticut Council of Administration. Implements the VFW National Veterans Policy and Procedure and Department programs concerning Veterans’ service. Manages areas of responsibilities in providing professional veterans representation for fulfilment of Federal, State, and Local government entitlements. Assists veterans in the preparation, development, submission, and review of ratings on claims for veterans’ entitlements and benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Reviews veterans’ claims folders, develop issues for use in the appellate process, counsel veterans on government entitlements. The State Service Officer is a liaison with governmental agencies and helps the VFW National Service staff and accredited VFW Service Officers in policy matters pertaining to Veterans’ entitlements and benefits. Assists with training assigned service officers and staff to ensure professionalism and maintain proficiency. Provides input to the Department budget for veterans’ services programs through the Director of Veterans Service. Periodically travel is required to represent veterans at VA hearings and preserve office integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Processes inquiries from the Veteran community concerning Veteran benefits. Ensures the appropriate forms are accurately and timely submitted. Monitors claim progression, reviewing decisions to determine appropriate courses of action to resolve unfavorable decisions.
  • Researches and develops appeals through coordination, outside agencies, and expert witnesses. Prepare statements on behalf of the Veterans claim or appeal. Assists the Veteran in obtaining medical opinions from attending physicians and other healthcare professionals.
  • Reviews and incorporates statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, and governmental directives to ensure that Veterans interests are articulated in accordance with VFW national mandates and the National Veterans Service Policy and Procedure.
  • Maintains liaison with appropriate agencies concerning veterans’ entitlements and benefits. Provides advice and technical assistance on policy matters pertaining to those programs as they affect the mission. Attend regular meetings of the Department, District, and Posts as directed. Performs as a liaison to local government agencies on veterans’ legislative issues.
  • Develops, coordinates, implements, and maintains training programs for representatives within the Department.
  • Implements VFW’s Veterans’ outreach programs to Veteran facilities and military installation within the Department as directed.
  • Attends conferences as directed with the requirement to articulate VFW policies concerning the Veterans’ entitlements program.
  • Reports to Chairman of Administrative Committee

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Advanced human relations and management skills are required. This position requires the knowledge of specific subjects to make the incumbent very authoritative in National Veterans Affairs Programs. This typically includes public speaking on a subject, and the incumbent may frequently be called upon for views on special Veteran issues. Thorough knowledge is required on conducting interviews, completing veterans’ affairs forms, and understanding Title 38 United States Code, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, federal court decisions, government statues, regulations, directives, and publications.

It’s necessary to have advanced knowledge of office equipment and particularly in computers to include software applications, case management techniques, and other electronic applications used in a fully automated office.

Position requires VFW accreditation with the Department of Veteran Affairs, in accordance with the National Veterans Service Policy and procedure and successful completion of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation of claims (TRIP) test. The incumbent will from time to time be required to take recertification tests to monitor their proficiency in the laws pertaining to veteran benefits.

Scope of Position:

The primary responsibility of the State Service Officer includes representing veterans and eligible family members in the VA Claims process from initial claims development up to and including the Board of Veterans Appeals. Determining the proper application of laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to veterans’ entitlements and coordinating internal and external staff resources to solve issues in the best interest of the veteran. This position is under direct supervision of the State Adjutant/Quartermaster. Typical contacts are with members of the veteran community, the VFW National Veterans Service staff, VFW Department Service Officers, representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other legislative and federal/state agencies through written and oral communications 100% of the time. Incumbent assists the Budget Chairman in the preparation of the annual budget.

Working Conditions:

The position functions in a typical office environment approximately 80% of the time. Domestic and local travel is required approximately 20% of the time to participate in conferences and training programs, veterans’ affairs hearings, staff meetings, visits to military installations, National Service and Department meetings, as directed. Travel may include visits to other regional offices and training as required. All travel is scheduled and approved by the Director of Veterans Services and State Adjutant/Quartermaster.

Physical Requirements:

  • Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to bend, stoop, or reach in the distribution of mail or maintenance of files.
  • There are some carrying items such as packages, etc. up to 25 pounds.
  • Mobility within the office includes movement on one floor and workstations.
  • Repeated motions (typing, reaching, bending, lifting, and carrying up to 25 pounds.
  • Communication with other employees and clients.

Environmental Factors:

  • Our work is performed in a professional office environment.
  • Extended use of electronic devices (computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and postage machines).
  • Use of cutting tools and equipment (paper cutter, scissors, etc.).

Hours of Work:

  • Monday through Friday (8:00am to 4:30pm).

Candidates:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Preference given to candidates who hold an associate’s degree in business administration, human relations, marketing, accounting, or similar areas of study from an accredited learning institution or experience as an Accredited Service Officer.
  • Preference will be given to Veterans of Foreign Wars eligible veterans.
  • May be required to take an initial and periodic drug test.
  • Must submit to an initial and periodic background investigation.

Candidates interested in applying for this position should forward an up-to-date resume, cover letter, and if a Veteran a copy of their DD Form 214 which shows eligibility to the Veterans of Foreign Wars via email (adjutant@vfwct.org) to Domenic M. Guiliano, Department Adjutant/Quartermaster at VFW Connecticut.