Veterans Services Officer

     Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs  is recruiting for a full-time Veterans Services Officer for the Norwich office.  Candidates must have at least five (5) years of technical experience in social or healthcare service programs involving direct client contact.

Applicants are required to upload a cover letter, resume and DD-214 with their submission.  State of CT employees should also submit their last 2 performance reviews.  (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.) 

Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Anita Cella, anita.cella@ct.gov, (860) 616-3631.

In the Department of Veterans Affairs, this class is accountable for independently providing a full range of advocacy services to veterans, their spouses or eligible dependents regarding veterans benefits.

Acts as an advocate for veterans, their spouses and dependents eligible to receive a full range of veterans benefits; interviews, counsels and advises veterans regarding available benefits and services; conducts outreach program to veterans, their spouses and dependents through visits to nursing homes, convalescent homes, hospitals and home visits; works to develop an information library concerning services and resources available to veterans; acts as a liaison with service providers and recipients; researches information on provider facilities to service recipients; assists in setting up screening appointments and provides transportation as necessary; monitors providers to determine need for referral or further diagnosis; advises veterans of services available regarding employment and reemployment services; provides information on federal and state education programs to veterans and their families; attends hearings and may represent veteran before administrative review bodies in regard to veteran benefit issues; may serve as department representative on community wide committees involved in veterans issues; may do some public speaking; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of and ability to coordinate available support and social services including veterans community resources; basic knowledge of economic, social, medical, environmental, psychological and emotional factors which influence attitudes, behavior and health of veterans and their families; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; ability to interpret and apply complicated technical materials; some ability to collect statistical data.

Five (5) years of technical experience in social or health care service programs involving direct client contact.

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

1. Incumbents in this class must satisfy one of the following:

a. served in time of war for at least ninety (90) days, unless separated from service earlier because of a service connected disability.

b. received an honorable discharge from or been released under honorable conditions from active service in the Armed Forces as defined in accordance with Section 27-103 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

c. been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the armed forces.

2. Incumbents in this class will be required to complete a course in veterans benefits within one (1) year of employment and must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.