VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER 3770

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Veterans Service Office provides technical assistance to veterans in the filing of claims for a wide variety of veterans' benefits. A significant part of the work is the development of good public relations and understanding of veterans' affairs with various civic groups and the general public. Work is performed within the scope of established laws, rules and regulations pertaining to veterans' benefits, and the employee is expected to use initiative and judgment in interpreting these rules and regulations. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior who may be consulted on unusual problems. May oversee the work of Veterans Service Aides. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Prepares and processes claims, applications and appeals for pension, compensation, medical treatment and other war service benefits; procures documentation required for validation of claims; follows up claims to assure prompt action;

Prepares tax exemption applications and ensures that documents are properly signed and notarized for processing;

Makes field calls on veterans with dependents unable to visit service agency office to assist them in obtaining benefits;

Transports veterans to hospitals and other locations which provide veterans’ benefits.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic; some knowledge of Federal, State, and local legislation governing veterans' benefits; ability to exercise good judgment in counseling and in assisting in the solution of veterans' problems; ability to interpret various Federal, State and County laws dealing with veterans' affairs; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with veterans, their dependents, civic groups, and the general public; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and accreditation from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Organization Representative, and either:

(a) Two (2) years of experience in a position that involves substantial public contact, and one (1) year of experience assisting an accredited Veterans Service Organization Representative in the filing of claims for veterans’ benefits; or,

(b) Two (2) years of military experience and attainment of pay grade E-04, O-01, or W-01, and one (1) year of experience assisting an accredited Veterans Service Organization Representative in the filing of claims for veterans’ benefits; or,

(c) One (1) year of experience as a Veterans Service Aide.

NOTE: Additional education from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State will be substituted for military experience, or experience in a position that involves substantial public contact, on a year-for-year basis up to one (1) year.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Candidate must be a veteran.

At the time of employment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Candidates must maintain accreditation from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veteran’s Service Organization Representative throughout employment in this position.   

R 1/1/2018

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Non-Competitive