Veterans Services Officer

About the Montana Veteran Affairs Division

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division (MVAD) is dedicated to serving Montana’s veterans and their families by connecting them with earned federal and state benefits, managing the State Veterans Cemeteries, and providing outreach and advocacy across the state. MVAD works in partnership with federal, state, and local organizations to ensure veterans receive the services and recognition they deserve.

About the Veteran Services Bureau

The Veteran Services Bureau provides free assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors in applying for and accessing benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VSOs serve as accredited representatives who guide veterans through complex claims processes, ensure accurate documentation, and advocate on behalf of veterans to secure benefits such as compensation, pension, healthcare, and burial assistance.

About the Veteran Service Officer

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division is seeking a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who has exceptional multitasking abilities and strong attention to detail. This position is located in the Great Falls Veteran Service Office and serves as a case manager for veterans’ benefits claims. This position is responsible for managing veterans service operations in the service office’s assigned outreach area, preparation, submission, and monitoring claims, and serves as an advocate for veterans/veteran family member clients throughout the associated processes. This position reports to the Great Falls Veteran Services Supervisor.

This position is in the Veterans Services Officer Career Ladder. Placement and advancement to each career level are determined by job performance, attainment of required certifications and accreditation, and achievement of the minimum qualifications for each level.

The following items must be submitted with the online state application form to be considered (be sure to mark your attachments as relevant):

· Cover Letter

· Resume

Key Responsibilities:

· Track, analyze, and report monthly, quarterly, and annual statistics, including but not limited to claims production, financial impact, administrative data, and demographic information.

· Assess veterans’ individual needs and circumstances to identify eligibility for benefits, services, and entitlements.

· Establish and manage veterans’ cases through all stages of the claims process, ensuring timely follow-up and accurate documentation.

· Research and review medical records, prior claims, and supporting documentation to identify additional or alternative benefits and substantiate claims.

· Prepare, review, and submit claims for federal processing, conducting quality assurance checks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.

· Represent veterans in the appeals process by interpreting and presenting information to support claims for the full benefits and entitlements available.

· Advocate for veterans and conduct outreach to increase awareness of available benefits and services.

· Represent the agency at meetings, conferences, and veterans’ events hosted by partner organizations and other external entities.

· Direct service delivery to ensure responsive support for veterans and compliance with program guidelines and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

· All other duties assigned by the Great Falls Supervisor and North Regional Veteran Service Officer.

Education and Experience:

· Associates degree in office management, medical terminology, law enforcement, or closely related field.

· One year experience in case management, benefits and claim processing, and/or military service with an emphasis on management services.

· Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements

· May need to work at a computer daily for 8 or more hours at a time;

· Fluctuation in workload may require more than a 40-hour workweek.

· Frequent interaction with entities and individuals such as the public, other state agencies, tribal and local governments, federal government, and legislators.

Typical Work Environment

· Normal office environment, location at Great Falls

· Must be able to work physically on-site in the office 80-100% of the time

Condition of Employment

· Maintain formal accreditation and certification status be pertinent, nationally recognized veteran’s services organizations and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. Any revocation of formal accreditation or certification are grounds for dismissal from agency employment.

· Requires a fingerprint background check.

· Must pass a background check.

· Must maintain a good driving record and a valid state of Montana driver’s license.

Travel

· Yes, 10% of the Time

· Required in-person attendance at annual training, typically held in Helena for one week each year

Telework

This position is telework eligible up to 20% of the time.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.