Summary
The part time Veterans Services Officer (VSO) manages Veterans’ Services and is part of the South Central MA Veterans Services District. The VSD is a group of towns who have partnered to provide Veterans services. The towns within the District are, Charlton, Southbridge, Auburn, and Oxford. The VSO will work directly with the District Veterans Services Director who currently works in the Town of Southbridge. The VSO works in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115 and 471, Acts of 1972; as well as 108 CMR, and Rules and Regulations of the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The VSO is perceptive and discreet in providing administrative and social services including financial benefits, employment assistance, counseling, and a variety of additional services to veterans.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Comply with MGL Chapter 115 and 108 CMR procedures for state reimbursement of monies spent on Auburn veteran benefits.
2. Visit recipients at home, community settings, hospitals and nursing homes to advise on benefit eligibility and make applications if needed; maintain ongoing knowledge of available benefits and rules defining eligibility; answer public and telephone inquiries regarding benefits and requirements for eligibility.
3. Process received applications for financial aid, medical assistance, food stamps, social security etc.; gather supporting documents reports and statements; evaluate accuracy of content; ensure application conforms to state laws for reimbursement; ascertain alternative sources of aid are utilized if possible.
4. Administer available state and federal veterans’ benefits including pensions, compensation, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, education, burial and other benefits available under the General Laws and through Commonwealth Department of Veteran’s Services programs.
5. Maintain collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Services and area VSOs on current applications and changes in eligibility requirements.
6. Submit weekly and monthly records and reports to the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Services as needed.
7. Assist with applications for claims or tax exemptions, annuities and home loans.
8. In cooperation with the state and local veterans’ boards, and area military organizations, as well as other local groups, assist with coordinating activities for various veterans’ groups including the Memorial Day parade and Veterans Day events.
9. Maintain a supply of US flags and other recognitions for veterans’ graves and memorials for proper recognition in veterans’ holidays.
10. Assist in the burial and final arrangements of indigent veterans.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours
This is a part time position with typical 19.5 hours per week, actual hours will be determined with the successful
candidate and the Town of Auburn with some required availability for after normal hours of operation in the event of a Veterans’ holiday or emergency situations.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Honorably Discharged Veteran.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of State and Federal laws pertaining to Veterans’ benefits.
3. High School diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, social work or related field preferred.
4. Three years of experience in an office or business setting , preferably in the public sector, human services or social service field.
5. Demonstrated experience in planning and implement events preferred.
6. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs including Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Outlook
7. Any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience, with additional work experience substituting for the required education on a year for year basis.
Preferred Requirements
1. Must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment;
2. Must have a reliable vehicle for use in this position.
3. Experience with the Veteran’s Administration, Veteran’s Upward Bound, and other veterans’ related programs.
Applicant should be able to meet the requirements of the position as outlined in the the position description for Veterans Services Officer. Applicant should state education, training, and experience which they feel has provided them with the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $26.40 per hour
Expected hours: 19.5 per week
Benefits:
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- Are you a Veteran for the United States of America?
- Do you have experience with Veterans benefits?
Work Location: In person