Veterans Services Officer (Director of Community Services)

Position Summary
 

This in-office based position that reports to Deputy Administrator of Veteran Services and serves as the county’s official advocate for veterans, dependents, and survivors, assisting them in obtaining benefits and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS), and other agencies and fosters positive relationships` between Shelby County Government and other agencies that serve veterans.  Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Pay Grade: 51 

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Three (3) years’ work experience in social services, administration, community outreach; AND 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social sciences, or related field; OR  
• Must be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
• Must comply with state and federal accreditation standards to include able to attain Veterans Services Officer (VSO) accreditation status through the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services within 90 days from date of hire and meet and maintain federal requirements to obtain a Personal Identification (PIV) card. 
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. 
   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assists veterans, dependents and survivors with preparing, filing and tracking disability, pension and appeals claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs.    
• Conducts research to maintain current knowledge of policies related to veteran rights and benefits.  
• Performs data collection, analysis and reports as required.  
• Makes house-calls to assist veterans who are not able to travel or participate in virtual appointments. 
• Makes appropriate referrals for veterans to outside agencies as appropriate (such as military discharge upgrades, housing, mental health, employment assistance).   
• Conducts community outreach to include public presentations and participation in community events to make veterans aware of potential benefits.   
• Builds and maintains positive partnerships with local organizations to support veterans’ needs. 
• Volunteers with at least one veteran-centered organization as approved by supervisor. 
• Operates and manages all office functions independently. 
• Extends condolences on behalf of the Mayor of all known deceased veterans as applicable and/or develops opportunities to honor veterans. 
• Performs other related duties as required or directed. 
   

KSAs 

• Ability to adapt to evolving work environments.  
• Ability to type a minimum of 40 w.p.m. 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively. 
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve goals. 
• Knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office Suite software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel). 
   

Special Requirements 

• Must be able to travel locally and out-of-town for mandatory training purposes.  
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends. 
   

Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. 
 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer 

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment.  The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees.  This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.  The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.