IDVA-FIELD VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER (OGLE)

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.

Essential Functions

• 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
• Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents regarding applicable benefits
• Serves as liaison with various county, state, and federal agencies, in establishing veteran’s entitlements to benefits, resources and services
• Represents the IL Department of Veterans Affairs at various community affairs and public events, explaining the functions of the IL Department of Veterans Affairs
• Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans' Service Officers
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis in business administration or public administration
• Requires an honorable discharge from service in the Armed Forces of the United States(during a recognized period of hostilities). The veteran must have served during a time of hostilities with a foreign country, and must meet one or more of the following conditions:
  • The veteran must have served a total of at least 6 months
  • The veteran served for the duration of hostilities regardless of the length of engagement
  • The veteran was discharged on the basis of hardship
  • The veteran was released from active duty because of a service-connected disability and was discharged under honorable conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the department's veterans’ programs and the operating policies and procedures
• 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
• Working knowledge of office management skills and techniques
• 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
• 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 preparing and presenting topical speeches to veterans’ groups and other interested parties
• 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
• 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
• 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

Essential Function 4

• Requires ability to pass a background check.
• Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
• Requires ability to obtain Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) of Claims certification and maintain required training throughout employment.
• 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 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 travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid drivers' license.
• Overtime is a condition or employment, and you may be required to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.