Job Description

Assists eligible military veterans, spouses, and their dependents in matters pertaining to their rights and benefits based on various Federal and State laws, to include compensation (disability benefits), pension, insurance, death benefits, health care, home loans and education. Provides legal and medical research in support of Veterans’ claims. Screens, reviews, and analyzes case-related material, to include providing information for use in filing appeals before the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Board of Veterans Appeals, writing briefs, and assists in preparing documentation in accordance with 38 Code of Federal Regulations.
1. Provides counseling related to disability and/or other benefits available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Prepares claim forms and other briefs and assembles required information to establish the validity of a Veteran’s claim under Federal and State statutes. Contacts doctors, medical service facilities, employers, criminal justice systems organizations, US Department of Defense and any other individual and/or agencies relative to furnishing evidence for individual claimants. Analyzes medical records and correspondence. Prepares for, and, as needed, occasionally accompanies Veterans to their benefits review meetings with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Conducts initial Veteran eligibility assessments and interviews eligible Veterans, dependents and/or survivors. Reviews and analyzes documentation to include financial, medical, psychological, criminal, and employment records to determine benefits. Establishes and maintains records of information.

3. Assists in screening, reviewing, and evaluating case matters. Provides summary of facts, retrieves information for case documentation and coordinates with other agencies for case preparation, to include appeals with the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Board of Veterans Appeals.

4. Provides information and referral services to Veterans, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, City, County, State and Federal agencies.

5. Assists Veterans with gaining access to US Department of the Veteran Affairs’ medical and dental treatment. May include in the commitment of Veterans to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and homeless shelters. Assists incapacitated and incarcerated Veterans in filing benefits claims.

6. Assists Veterans in preparing for correction of military records to submit before the US Armed Services’ Military Boards of Corrections and Discharge Upgrade.

7. Designs, coordinates, and conducts informational sessions and outreach events.

8. Performs other duties as assigned. Education, Experience, and Training
Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Services, or in a job related field of study. One (1) year of work related experience.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Skilled in the use of standard software applications. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public. Knowledge of handling and privacy of sensitive information regarding Veterans’ information related to their claims as outlined in HIPAA, the Privacy Act of 1974, the 38 Code of Federal Regulations and the United States Code of Federal Regulations preferred. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, with a good driving record and reliable transportation. Must be able to obtain the State Certification and US Department of VA Accreditation as a County Veterans Service Officer within one year of employment with the Department and must be able to maintain the annual State Certification and annual US Department of VA Accreditation as a condition of continued employment with the Department.

Physical/Environmental Requirements
Standard office environment. May be required to travel to off-site locations.