STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Veterans Services Officer

Recruitment #260413-9094SH-001

Go Back Apply View Benefits

Introduction


We are hiring experienced veterans to support and assist Connecticut’s veteran community in accessing benefits, services, and resources.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is seeking to fill two full‑time (40 hours/week) Veteran Services Officer positions within the Office of Advocacy & Assistance. These positions will initially report to a temporary duty location at 196 West Street, Rocky Hill, with the permanent duty station in Windham County.

What We Can Offer You
• Access to a comprehensive suite of state employee benefits.
• NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• A strong commitment to supporting a healthy work/life balance for all employees.

Position Highlights
• Advocate for veterans and their families by assisting with benefits claims and securing access to state and federal services.
• Represent veterans at administrative hearings and support them through the appeals process.
• Provide counseling, education, and outreach to veterans, their spouses, and dependents across community locations.
• Build partnerships with service providers and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge on available programs and resources.

Schedule
• Monday–Friday, 1st shift
• 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

About Us
The mission of the Connecticut DVA is to assist Connecticut’s veterans, across the spectrum of need, to ensure each veteran and eligible family member receives the benefits and services they earned.

For over 140 years, the Connecticut DVA has been caring for its veterans and their dependents.  As a department, we are a team of dedicated individuals who support our veterans, and we believe in "Serving Those Who Served."

Selection Plan

For Assistance in Applying
• Visit the Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

Before You Apply
• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the posting by the closing date. These qualifications must be clearly specified on your application.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees accurately. Institutions must be accredited. For foreign education, provide equivalency documentation from a recognized U.S. accrediting service.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21‑69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documents (cover letter, transcripts, performance reviews, etc.) may be requested later.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts you are willing to work. Failure to do so may limit your consideration for specific vacancies.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the posting deadline. Revisions cannot be made after you submit. Late submissions are rarely accepted; applicants may request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov and providing documentation of incapacitating circumstances during the entire posting period.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may differ between branches of state government.
• How to Apply: The only way to apply is through the “Apply” or “Apply Online” buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center posting.

After You Apply
• Check Your Status: Email providers may delay messages. Regularly review your Personal Status Board for updates, questionnaires, and tasks. You may also enable SMS notifications.
• Referral Questions: You may be required to complete Referral Questions (RQs) after the posting closes. Access them through your email or your Personal Status Board.
• Prepare for an Interview: Only candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role will be interviewed. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to get ready.
• Stay Connected: Monitor your Personal Status Board daily and check all email folders (including spam).
• Future Vacancies: Applications to this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
• Employment Rules: Positions are filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion, and merit rules. Employees are also bound by the State Code of Ethics (www.ct.gov/ethics).

Questions? We’re Here to Help
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide individual status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board or review the Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions about the process, contact Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@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 information and assistance services to veterans, their spouses or eligible dependents regarding veterans benefits.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Prepares, submits and monitors action on veteran's claims for disability, pension, education and burial benefits;
  • Attends hearings and may represent veteran before administrative review bodies in regard to veteran benefit issues;
  • 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;
  • 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;
    • 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
    • coordinate available support and social services including veterans community resources;
    • interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures;
    • interpret and apply complicated technical materials;
    • collect statistical data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of technical experience in assisting clients in finding, qualifying for, applying for, or delivering 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 three (3) years.
  • Current or previous accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, may be substituted for the General Experience, except when accreditation was withdrawn for cause.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience reviewing and processing applications.
  • Experience reviewing and processing claims for benefits.
  • Experience interviewing prospective clients to determine eligibility, needs, and qualification for services.
  • Experience researching, interpreting, and applying state and federal law, regulations, and policies.
  • Experience conducting public outreach events to inform potential clients on the availability of services and benefits.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must satisfy one of the following:
    • served in time of war for at least ninety (90) days, unless separated from service earlier because of a service connected disability.
    • 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.
    • been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the armed forces.
  • 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.
  • 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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.


E-mailPhone: (860) 713-52058am - 4:30pm M-FPowered by JobAps