Veterans Services Officer - Mobile South

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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DESCRIPTION:  This is professional services work overseeing day-to-day operations of an assigned field office; advising and advocating for veterans and members of the armed services, their families, dependents, and survivors; and providing technical assistance to obtain federal, state, regional, and local veterans benefits and services.  Responsibilities include strategizing, developing and filing claims, and advocating for eligible military benefits and services such as pension, compensation, education, housing, financial assistance, and/or medical care.  Work also includes supervising staff, evaluating and verifying information, determining eligibility, and leading appeal strategies and activities.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:  (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

Initiates and/or update client management software and continuously monitors cases to detect problems, determine status of cases, and ensure judicious and timely review of undisputed/disputed claims.

Interviews and advises veterans and/or their dependents to provide information and determine eligibility for benefits and services from federal/state veterans programs.

Develops, assesses, and evaluates all testimony and documents to prepare for formal hearing proceedings.

Writes well-grounded appeal briefs to substantiate veterans' positions on contested cases.

Represents veterans or dependents at appeal hearings to present claimants' arguments.

Evaluates VA claim determinations for compliance with federal/state rulings to determine consistency, improve submission detail, and/or initiate claim negotiations to achieve fair solutions that ensure veterans' rights and entitlements are protected.

Administers operations of an assigned field office and multiple itinerant offices to serve veteran clientele to ensure consistent application of applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

Advises and advocates for applicants on problems relating to income, housing, health, education, and family situation to meet the needs of veterans and/or dependents.

Identifies resources and prepares claims for veterans and/or dependents to guide them in applying for and obtaining benefits and services.

Gathers and analyzes information, and documents detailed case history to prepare reports to substantiate and authorize grants for aid.

Establishes and maintains partnerships with other agencies and community organizations to develop resources and/or promote agency mission.

Represents the agency before veterans groups, on committees, and in public forums to exchange information and promote veterans programs, benefits, and services.

Studies and researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedent-setting decisions to prepare well-grounded documentation in support of highly complex and sensitive claims.

Implements, administers, and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices, including:  AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, communication systems, and employee safety.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Knowledge of available VA and community programs and services.

Knowledge of veterans benefits/claims application procedures and processes.

Knowledge of Department rules, regulations, and operating procedures.

Knowledge of terminology/meanings of various types of disabilities and illnesses associated with veterans' claims.

Knowledge of State Veterans Assistance programs.

Knowledge of supervisory techniques and office management practices.

Knowledge of eligibility and application criteria governing federal veterans’ assistance and state programs.

Knowledge of assistance agencies and services available to veterans and their dependents.

Knowledge of VA appeals process and procedures.

Knowledge of principles and objectives underlying veterans benefits programs.

Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims of trauma and hostile, distraught, and/or depressed clients.

Ability to prepare well-grounded briefs.

Ability to prepare and present case facts, evidence, testimony, and examine witnesses.

Ability to establish and maintain community partnerships.

Ability to use applicable computer programs.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to write clearly and effectively.

Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and obtain pertinent information.

Ability to prepare and maintain records and case files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, a Social Services/Behavioral Science area, or related field and two (2) years experience in directly providing and/or administering benefit programs, personnel administration, or related social services/human resources work.  Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.  Applicants must have served on active duty during a federally recognized period of conflict, as defined in Section 504, Title 37B, MRSA.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

State of Maine & US Department of Veterans Affairs Training, Responsibility, Involvement, and Preparation (TRIP)

National Veterans Legal Service Program (NVLSP)

Successful completion of fingerprinting and Federal background check

EXAM PLAN:  (This must be successfully completed by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 

Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.86% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.