Veterans Services Officer, DMVA

Are you a compassionate, detail-oriented individual driven to make a lasting difference on the lives of veterans and their families? The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is seeking Veteran Services Officers to join our Veterans Benefits Services team. In this fulfilling role, you will be responsible for regional outreach and the provision of benefits and services to Pennsylvania veterans at the Lickdale Veterans' Outreach Center. By assisting veterans in navigating benefits, services, and available resources, you will play a key role in improving the quality of life for those who have honorably served our nation. If you are passionate about advocacy and committed to supporting veteran well-being, we invite you to apply and join our mission!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference working for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Come join the DMVA team!

In this position, you will provide advice, assistance, and guidance to veterans and their beneficiaries through outreach, intake, and counseling services for all benefits, services, and programs for which they may be eligible. You will prepare benefit applications that meet all statutory and legal requirements, as well as provide representation and advocacy during the preparation, presentation, and securing of claims. Duties include assisting with the claims development process by obtaining and coordinating the evidence necessary to support successful outcomes, conducting claimant interviews, and helping veterans submit fully developed claims. In addition, you will work directly with medical professionals to secure medical documentation, provide required forms, and support timely claim processing. You will also review benefit decisions to ensure veterans and beneficiaries receive the maximum benefits allowed under current law and evaluate claim denials prior to the appeals process.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 45-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 5 out of 10 days in a pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Jonestown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Veterans Services Specialist, DMVA (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Five years of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefits or services programs; or
• One year of experience in analyzing and determining individuals' eligibility for public benefits or services programs and a bachelor's degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• This job requires you to possess valid accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a veterans service officer or eligibility for accreditation within one year from the date of employment.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid federal or state-issued photo ID and pass a favorable NCIC screening for admittance to Fort Indiantown Gap.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques used to gather information for public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Experience with veterans benefits and services programs
• Experience with identifying and promoting veteran benefits and services to the public, community partners, and federal, state, and local providers through formal or informal meetings, events, consultations, and speaking engagements
• Non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent
• Willingness to travel which may require overnight stays on short notice

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.