Agency : Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Posting ID: REQ 32049
Posting Date: 10/13/2023
Closing Date: 10/26/2023
Salary: $4,331 – $6,221/Monthly; CBA language applies; Anticipated starting salary $4,331/Monthly
Job Type: Salaried Full Time
County: Vermilion
Number of Vacancies: 2
Plan/BU: RC028
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. Transfer forms must be submitted during the posting period in order to be considered for transfer with contractual rights. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
A DD214 with an Honorable Discharge is required. If you do not upload your DD214 with an Honorable Discharge you will not be considered for the position.
Position Overview
The Veteran Service Officer position at Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs plays a vital roll in enabling and assisting veterans in obtaining the assistance and benefits they are entitled to. This position also serves as a beacon of light to our veterans to show that they are not alone, and there is someone, like you (potential candidate) here for them. This unique opportunity offers an exceptional benefit package to include health insurance, including eye care and dental, Deferred Compensation, life insurance and retirement. If you desire to become a valued member of a hard-working and respected team and up for a challenge or a change in your current career, please take this opportunity to apply for this rewarding and gratifying position.
Job Responsibilities
- 35% Acts as Service Officer for the Field Services Division within the IL Department of Veterans’ Affairs whilst managing the operation of a field office, with emphasis on claims and the origination of appeals
- 25% Advocates for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents regarding applicable benefits
- 15% Serves as liaison with various county, state, and federal agencies, in establishing veteran’s entitlements to benefits, resources and services
- 15% Represents the IL Department of Veterans’ Affairs at various community affairs and public events, explaining the functions of the IL. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- 5% Trains and/or assists in the training of newly appointed Veterans’ Service Officers
- 5% Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis in business administration or public administration
- Requires one (1) year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work or any other type of work involving extensive public contact
- Requires an honorable discharge from service in the Armed Forces of the United States (during a recognized period of hostilities)
Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)
- Extensive knowledge of the department’s veterans’ programs and the operating policies and procedures
- Extensive knowledge of the benefits and services available to veterans, their spouses and family, and the federal and state laws and regulations governing their administration
- Working knowledge of office management skills and techniques
- One (1) year of experience managing an office efficiently and effectively, to provide services to military personnel, veterans, their dependents and/or survivors, and to maintain records as required by the agency or organization
- One (1) year of experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, veterans, dependents, community organizations and other stakeholders in the veteran community
- One (1) year of experience preparing and presenting topical speeches to veterans’ groups and other interested parties
- One (1) year of experience explaining federal and state veterans’ legislation to the public
- One (1) year of experience analyzing and interpreting service records, private medical records, and reports in terms of establishing entitlement to Veteran’s Administration benefits
- One (1) year of experience examining, interpreting and explaining complex decisions affecting clientele regarding claims issues, and appropriately advising them of their responsibility in relation to benefit awards
- One (1) year of experience making informed decisions in accordance with the laws of the federal and state government governing veterans’ benefits and services and expressing related ideas clearly in written and/or oral form
Conditions of Employment
- Requires ability to pass a background check
- Requires ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related policies and guidance
- Requires ability to obtain Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) of Claims certification and maintain required training throughout employment
- Requires ability to obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation within their probationary period. Failure to achieve accreditation will result in termination of employment
- Requires ability to re-accreditation every 5 years while fulfilling the duties of a Veterans Service Officer. Failure to maintain accreditation will be grounds for further training and adverse personnel action
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
- Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the State law has changed, the Department’s Veteran Homes are certified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, which requires us to be in compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act. Accordingly we will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy. The use of federally unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.
Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Work Location: 407 N Franklin St Danville, IL 61832-4542 & 1900 E Main St, Danville, IL 61832-4542
Field Services
Field Division
Central Region
Agency Contact:
Shannon Leake
Shannon.Leake@illinois.gov
Job Family: Social Services
This position does not contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
About the Agency:
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is a State agency designed to empower veterans and their families to thrive. We do this by assisting them in navigating the system of federal, state and local resources and benefits; providing long-term health care for eligible veterans in our Veterans’ Homes and partnering with other agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges. A career with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides a rewarding and challenging opportunity for individuals. Working together, we create partnerships and experiences that engage and inspire our fellow co-workers and the veterans and their family members that we serve every day.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com