Assistant Veteran Services Officer

Full Job Description

Looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who’ve served our country?

This role is ideal for someone with exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a genuine passion for helping veterans and their families navigate important benefits and resources.

You’ll serve as a trusted advisor and advocate, combining technical knowledge with empathy, professionalism, and clear communication.

From one-on-one support to community outreach, this position offers the opportunity to build strong relationships while making a lasting difference.

If you’re motivated by purpose and service, this is a chance to do work that truly matters.

Processes and assists with claims to ensure that all veterans, active-duty military, and eligible dependents receive the benefits to which they are entitled from appropriate veterans' agencies.

Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

• Maintains current knowledge of military legislation, regulations, and precedents related to veteran benefits. Maintains file of appropriate reference materials.
• Maintains contacts in veteran communities, such as the VA Clinic, Vet Center, and service organizations, to facilitate and improve the services offered by the El Paso County Veteran Services Office.
• Interviews, advises, and assists active-duty military personnel, veterans, and/or dependents on disability, insurance, pension, educational benefits, and other matters.
• Provides specific information, explains required forms, and visits homebound and/or nursing home veterans and widows to communicate benefits and make referrals as needed.
• Prepares all necessary forms required to apply for benefits; submits appropriate documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs or through a service organization such as Colorado Veterans Affairs.
• Follows up on claims to ensure claims are processed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintains copies of final decisions made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Works with the Colorado Division of Veteran Affairs to ensure final decisions regarding veteran benefits are entered and updated in the appropriate databases.
• Promotes the benefits of using the El Paso County Veteran Services Office in the local veteran community.
• Develops PowerPoint presentations, office brochures, and other documents. Provides presentations as needed.
• Performs outreach activities as needed to inform the veteran community of available VA benefits.
• Assists with the development of outreach programs, presentations, and special projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations governing veteran benefits.
• Working knowledge of medical, legal, accounting, and income tax fields to handle complex claims.
• Must have a strong working knowledge of computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to exercise a high degree of interpersonal skills and professionalism. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks; ability to reprioritize as work situations change.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including fax machine, scanner, and copier.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education. 

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral science, business administration, public administration, or related field. 
• Experience in counseling, interviewing, social work, or related work..
• Experience in veteran’s affairs work.
• Honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Certification by the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs within one year of employment.
• Accreditation by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to present claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Additional Information

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment; some travel may be required. May work with clients in stressful situations.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.