STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Veterans Services Officer

Temporary

Recruitment #210513-9094SH-001

Introduction

The mission of the State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is "Serving Those Who Served" and for over 140 years, Connecticut has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. This is accomplished through our Office of Advocacy and Assistance (OAA), Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Memorial Services.

The State of Connecticut, DVA, Office of Advocacy and Assistance (OAA) seeks a qualified individual for a temporary Veterans Services Officer position. This position will be located in the Norwich office at the Norwich City Hall Building at 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT. This temporary Veterans Services Officer will work 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday. This position will work 4 hours each day ideally from 9AM - 1PM  or 10AM - 2PM. The agency does have some room for flexibility with the days and hours scheduled.

Please Note: This position is temporary with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2021.

OAA has Veterans Services Officers in each congressional district. The area of responsibility for this position is CT's 2nd Congressional District. As a Veterans Services Officer, you will serve those who served through advocacy, outreach and education coupled with compassion and empathy. Each day is uniquely different depending on the needs of the veteran. Are you ready to challenge yourself and become a pillar of your community? We encourage you to apply today!

Selection Plan

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.  

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the job classification.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Chelsea Moore at Chelsea.Moore@ct.gov

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with MS Office for documentation and video conferencing
  • Experience with case management to include one on one interaction with Veteran clients
  • Experience with crisis intervention
  • Experience with veteran provider services at the municipal, state and federal levels
  • Experience with current Veteran Administration trends (mental health, presumptive conditions, and pertinent registries)
  • Experience with current Veteran Administration law
  • Accreditation as a Veteran Service Officer with the US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

Conclusion

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.