Job Title

Union AFSCME General Pay Grade Salary Grade 6 Wage Scale Salary Range: $44,616.00 - $58,032.00 Description General Summary: Under the direction and supervision of the Director of St. Joseph County's Veterans Affairs provides counseling services to veterans and their dependents. Essential Functions: Conducts interviews with veterans and their dependents and reviews background data on current medical and financial history to obtain information needed to determine eligibility for Federal, State, and local laws. Provides explanation and interpretation of laws and regulations for benefits available to veteran and their dependents. Evaluates information to determine potential eligibility of clients for benefits from related agencies such as Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Waiver Agencies etc., identifies client problems and provides solutions to material, financial, medical, and social needs within the framework of departmental guidelines. Prepares and assists the preparation of claims packages for veterans and their dependents seeking disability, education, medical, and related benefits; completes claim forms and ensures proper certification of related documentation based upon the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) laws and regulations. Assists in developing formal appeals and representing veterans and their dependents to the U.S. Board of Veteran Appeals. Creates and manages case files, maintains clients electronic records and uploads documents into client files. Serves as benefits representative, develops and or presents informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions to increase awareness of veteran; responds to veterans, dependents, legislators, and veterans service organizations regarding benefit questions. Attends all required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditation and recertification. Keeps abreast of changes within Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Assists veterans and dependents with County Burial Fund applications and Michigan Veterans Trust Fund applications. Maintains and organizes the County Veteran Service Fund Grant; gathering information and receipts, and preparing and sending quarterly reports to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Conducts home visits to veterans, and their dependents Ensures team members are providing quality, accurate, and unbiased information. Builds and maintains community partnerships. Performs other duties as required. An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the above tasks. (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employees may be expected to perform.) Position Requirements Employment Qualifications: Education: An Associate's Degree with coursework in social services with a preference for a Bachelor's Degree. Experience: Two years of client-based experience in an office and administrative capacity including experience in assisting a clientele in securing available government benefits and assistance. Other Requirements: National Certification by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must be obtained within one year of hire. A Michigan Vehicle Operator's License. Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications. The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria. Physical Requirements: (This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements): Ability to access all County locations. Ability to use a keyboard to enter and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to withstand prolonged periods of sitting in front of a computer monitor Working Conditions: Works in an office setting but is also required to travel to other locations to meet and serve clients, training or promotions. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Shift Days Position Veteran's Service Officer Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Open Date 10/28/2024 Location St. Joseph County Courthouse About the Organization The mission of St. Joseph County Government is to provide statutory and constitutional services in a fiscally responsible manner worthy of the dignity and respect of all County citizens. Non-mandated services requested by citizens shall be evaluated and prioritized within the same context of fiscal responsibility and public trust. The basis for providing such services shall include, but not be restricted to: the safety and well-being of the public, the protection and improvement of natural resources, and the expansion of economic opportunities for all citizens. St. Joseph County Government as stewards of people and resources promotes equal opportunity for all, and hereby encourages the talents, creativity and leadership of all County employees in striving for prompt, courteous, respectful and efficient delivery of services. St. Joseph County provides an excellent benefit package. This includes health, dental, vision, life, and short and long term disability insurance. We also offer a very generous sick and vacation package and 13 paid holidays for most positions. Pension plans are available for many of our employees as well as additional retirement options. EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is currently accepting applications.