State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Veterans Services Officer (9094SH)

$34.47-$43.95 Hourly / $2,756.82-$3,515.52 BiWeekly /
$71,953.00-$91,755.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Veterans Affairs this class is accountable for independently providing a full range of information and assistance services to veterans, their spouses or eligible dependents regarding veterans benefits.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Veterans Services Supervisor or other employee of higher grade.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Prepares, submits and monitors action on veteran's claims for disability, pension, education and burial benefits;
  • Attends hearings and may represent veteran before administrative review bodies in regard to veteran benefit issues;
  • Acts as an advocate for veterans, their spouses and dependents eligible to receive a full range of veterans benefits;
  • Interviews, counsels and advises veterans regarding available benefits and services;
  • Conducts outreach program to veterans, their spouses and dependents through visits to nursing homes, convalescent homes, hospitals and home visits;
  • Works to develop an information library concerning services and resources available to veterans;
  • Acts as a liaison with service providers and recipients;
  • Researches information on provider facilities to service recipients;
  • Assists in setting up screening appointments and provides transportation as necessary;
  • Monitors providers to determine need for referral or further diagnosis;
  • Advises veterans of services available regarding employment and reemployment services;
  • Provides information on federal and state education programs to veterans and their families;
  • May serve as department representative on community wide committees involved in veterans issues;
  • May do some public speaking;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • economic, social, medical, environmental, psychological and emotional factors which influence attitudes, behavior and health of veterans and their families;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • coordinate available support and social services including veterans community resources;
    • interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures;
    • interpret and apply complicated technical materials;
    • collect statistical data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of technical experience in assisting clients in finding, qualifying for, applying for, or delivering social or health care service programs involving direct client contact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of three (3) years.
  • Current or previous accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, may be substituted for the General Experience, except when accreditation was withdrawn for cause.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must satisfy one of the following:
    • served in time of war for at least ninety (90) days, unless separated from service earlier because of a service connected disability.
    • received an honorable discharge from or been released under honorable conditions from active service in the Armed Forces as defined in accordance with Section 27-103 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
    • been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the armed forces.
  • Incumbents in this class will be required to complete a course in veterans benefits within one (1) year of employment and must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(33)-Social Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(12)-SOCIAL SERV (P-2)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

SH 22

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Veterans Services Officer in Salary Group SH 22 approved effective March 08, 2023. (Revised to update Purpose of Class, and modify Minimum Qualifications and content) Item No. 23-221

EFFECTIVE DATE

08/31/2023
CLASS: 9094SH; EST: 8/15/1986; REV: 4/23/2024;