Temporary Veteran Services Officer*

General Description The Orange County Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life has an opening for a Temporary Veteran Services Officer. The work involves the responsibility for assisting, counseling, and advocating for veterans and members of the armed services and their families and survivors by providing information, referral, assistance, initial screening and filing claims. An employee in this class is responsible for attending outreaches, visiting veterans and their families at home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Civil Rights Officer with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding customer needs and requests and conducting project assignments. Supervision over others may be required of this position. Position does related work as required. This temporary position will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. * Background Check is required. Examples of Essential Functions Examples of Essential Functions Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned. Assesses client needs; conducts client/claimant interviews, counsels veterans, their spouses and/or dependents on the types of available benefits, such as pension, death benefits, disability, medical care, back military pay, insurances, educational and loan benefits, etc.; and advises them on their eligibility for benefits. Assists veterans and their families in the preparation of claims for which they are entitled. Ensures documentation required for processing claims is complete and accurate. Assists in gathering information for appeals in cases of claim denials. Aids veterans in obtaining medical care, treatment and hospitalization for both service connected and non-service connected disability. Conducts and participates in various outreach activities to promote program awareness and access. Prepares monthly statistical reports regarding services delivered and marketing/outreach efforts. Works closely with other County Departments, State and Federal Agencies, and Community Service Agencies to provide necessary assistance to veterans and their families. Provides referrals as appropriate. Establishes case files and maintains records and reports on services performed. Attends conferences held by the Veterans Administration and other government agencies to further knowledge of changing laws, programs and benefits. Participates in service groups, community activities and special events as a representative of the County. Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments. Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations, including policies and procedures. Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ANDABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the federal, state and local laws pertaining to veterans and their families in order to advise them on their eligibility for benefits, complete the paperwork for application for benefits and assist them in the appeal of benefit denials. Thorough knowledge of various services available to veterans and their families in order to advise them of possible programs and services to which they may be entitled. Thorough knowledge of counseling techniques in order to assist veterans and their families with a variety of problems related to disability, death, economic and legal conditions, etc. Ability to learn local governmental administrative principles and practices in order to maintain an efficient office operation. Ability to learn public relations techniques in order to work with community organizations, veterans organizations and a variety of federal, state and local agencies to promote the needs of veterans and secure provision of services. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in written and oral form, with a wide variety of clientele, including those with behavioral health issues, to elicit information and explain services. Ability to prepare, organize, and maintain accurate records and reports. Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, public administration, or related field AND two (2) years of progressively responsible experience working in a Veterans Service Organization OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience. Veteran status is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS North Carolina Veterans Service Officer certification is preferred. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists. Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the close visual acuity to operate a computer terminal and perform extensive reading. Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

Created: 2025-09-16