VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER                                                      39090

                                                                                                                (Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

County Veterans Service Officers (VSO) are recognized under Federal Law by US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide representation for individuals in matters relating to VA benefit claims. By virtue of accreditation, the County VSO has access to a nationwide network of Accredited Representatives who can provide expanded assistance including before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington DC. The work is carried out in accordance with well-established procedures under the authority of Articles 17, Section 357, 358 and 359 of the NYS Executive Law. This specialized role involves counseling and assisting members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families concerning the rights, benefits and services to which they are entitled to under law. As such, the successful candidate must have interpersonal and networking skills to deploy in serving the diverse clientele seeking services. Work involves responsibility for substantial operation of technology in the performance of difficult and responsible claims filing and performing record keeping associated with Veterans. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of the Veteran Service Agency. Leeway, accompanied by strong accountability, is allowed for the exercise of independent judgement in scheduling and arranging details of work to accomplish assigned duties.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

VSOs are legally responsible for:

Counseling veterans and dependents regarding benefits and entitlements under federal and state law.

Preparing and processing claims, applications, and appeals for pensions, compensation, and other service benefits.

Maintaining case files and ensuring proper documentation for claims validation.

Coordinating with county and state agencies to provide comprehensive services to veterans and their families.

Engaging in outreach activities, some of which are occasional evenings and weekends. Advanced notice will be given when such hours are necessary.

Perform other duties as directed.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of federal, state and local laws governing veterans' benefits.

Good knowledge of benefits and services available to veterans, survivors, dependents and other claimants.

Good knowledge of medical and psychological diagnosis, evaluation and terminology as it applies to veterans.

Ability to establish and maintain good public relations and deal effectively with veteran-related problems.                                                                                                                                                                             

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:

1. Graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college with a degree in social services, human services or a closely related field  and at least 1 (one) year of work experience in an advisory role, armed forces leadership, advocacy, or human services OR
2. Graduation with an associate’s degree in social services, human services or a closely related field and 2 (two) years of work experience in an advisory role, armed forces leadership, advocacy, or human services OR
3. A high school diploma or equivalency and 4 (four) years of work experience in an advisory role, armed forces leadership, advocacy, or human services.

NOTE: Within the first year of employment, employee must become accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Officer and maintain annual re-accreditation of Veterans’ Affairs “Agent” under 38 CFR14.629.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Must be honorably discharged and provide copy of DD214 (member-4).

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicles operated or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

 

 

 

Revised 10/2026