Assistant Veterans' Service Officer at St. Johns… · Saint…

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an Assistant Veterans’ Service Officer for our well-established Veterans’ Service Office.

The Veterans’ Service Office assists veterans and their dependents in applying for benefits to which they are entitled under Federal or State Law or Regulations by reason of Active Military Service in the Armed Forces of the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, preparation of formal claims and appeals relating to Compensation, Education, Loan Guaranty for Homes, Special Adapted Housing, Pension, Medical Care, Insurance, Burial Benefits and related matters.

The ideal Assistant Veterans’ Service Officer candidate must possess St. Johns County’s core values of Dedication, Openness, Adaptability, Visionary, Fiscal Responsibility, Integrity, and Humility. This position is responsible for assisting in directing the operations of the Veterans’ Service Office and ensuring the provision of benefits to eligible veterans.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assesses and evaluates benefits options for veterans, widows, and dependents.
• Completes claim forms and assembles required information to establish the validity of claims under federal law.
• Tracks claim processes.
• Responds to federal letters received by claimants.
• Reviews and interprets Veterans Administration rating decisions to assess the appropriateness of appeals.
• Research related laws and regulations to formulate appeals; writes appeals and submits to Veterans Administration for review; performs appeal follow-ups.
• Coordinates with other local service agencies to meet the needs of clients.
• Attends annual training to maintain accreditation.
• Performs community outreach home visits.
• Maintains a full-time presence on the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university; or high school diploma or equivalency plus four (4) years of administrative experience as defined in Florida Statute 292.11 (FS 292.11)
• Must be a veteran or surviving spouse as defined by FS 292.11.
• Must possess or have ability to obtain proof of successful completion of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs training program, as described in FS 292.11, within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of Veterans Administration programs, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental and county policies and procedures and related federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.
• Skills in oral and written communication.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.
• Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.

Salary Range: $54,870.40 -$73,278.40

Compensation Grade: BCC PG17

Department: Veterans Service

Location: 200 San Sebastian View St. Augustine, FL 32084

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.