DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: An employee in this class (which may also be referred to as a Veteran Service Officer or VSO) is responsible for assisting veterans, active members of the armed forces, their families and survivors (clients) with available services and benefits.  This includes the preparation and processing of claims and applications to the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government bodies. The work involves conducting interviews with clients to determine the appropriate program benefits and ensuring that the proper applications and filings are processed to assure that the greatest benefit is accorded the client. The work involves assisting clients to obtain other government services and benefits appropriate to their need. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Veterans’ Service Agency, with substantial leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgement in carrying out the specific requirements of the program. Supervision is not a function of this position other than to prepare documents for processing by members of the clerical staff. Does related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of Federal and State regulations dealing with veterans issues; good knowledge of Business Arithmetic and English; working knowledge of Federal and State programs which provide services to the veteran community; ability to acquire knowledge of the theory and practice of providing services to the veteran community; ability to collect, organize, and interpret data; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, private and governmental agencies; ability to express oneself clearly both orally and in writing; ability to prepare records and reports; patience; initiative; empathy; resourcefulness; tact; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS   Either:

A.            Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree; OR

B.             Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience performing case work reviews or reviewing claims for benefits; OR

C.            An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined in the limits of A and B above.

Special Note: An Honorably Discharged veteran of the Armed Services may substitute their military service for one (1) year of the above-mentioned experience.

Note: The incumbent must either possess a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicles operated or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job to meet field work requirements in a timely and efficient manner.

Special Requirement: A candidate to this title must be a veteran as defined by 38 U.S. Code § 101, sections (2), (21), (22), (24) and (27). 38 U.S Code §101, section (2) defines a veteran as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions.

For purposes of appointment to this title, an individual must become accredited by a US Department of Veterans Affairs recognized Veterans Service Organization (which, for Ulster County is the American Legion).  The incumbent in the position must be eligible to gain membership (as defined in the Charter of the American Legion National Constitution and By-laws § 21703) in order to qualify for and maintain VSO accreditation; must achieve such accreditation within one (1) year of appointment, remain a member in good standing, and otherwise meet the qualifications in Federal 38 CFR §14.629.

Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice System or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.

IF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IS INDICATED; TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED AND SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.  A CANDIDATE LACKING THE REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL RECEIVE A CONDITIONAL APPROVAL PENDING THE RECEIPT OF TRANSCRIPT.

ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.