STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Veterans Services Officer

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #230308-9094SH-001

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Introduction


The State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is seeking an experienced and qualified Veterans Services Officer to support our veterans and the Veterans Hospital. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Unit: Office of Advocacy and Assistance
  • Location: Newington, CT
  • Schedule: Full time (40 hours per week), first shift, Monday through Friday
AS A VETERANS SERVICES OFFICER YOU WILL:
  • Engage in a rewarding career
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve
  • Assist our clients so they can achieve success
  • Make a difference in the public sector
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive comprehensive benefits plan that includes:
  • Industry leading health benefits with medical and dental coverage;
  • Generous paid time off, include 13 paid holidays per calendar year ;
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
  • Retirement healthcare offerings;
  • Professional growth and development opportunities; and
  • A healthy work/life balance!
MORE ABOUT US:
For over 140 years the State of Connecticut DVA has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." This is accomplished through our: Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Burial Services.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

These positions may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Alyssa Hovanec via email at Alyssa.Hovanec@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 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 complex 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

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.





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