Basic Function
The Second Assistant Veterans Service Officer (2nd AVSO) is a champion for veterans, dependents, and their families, serving as the entry point for veteran benefits and resources. The 2nd AVSO initiates, develops, and files benefit claims on their behalf and serves as an advocate and advisor on benefit programs offered by local, state, and federal authorities. The 2nd AVSO operates primarily independently and offers case management services to assist client needs, that include referrals to a variety of community organizations and resources. In addition to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all applicable federal and state legislation, rules, policies, and procedures that impact veterans, the position exhibits expert knowledge and proficiency in the field of veteran benefit law. The role includes familiarity with county and local resources to promote excellent client outcomes and enhance well-being. In addition to collaborating with internal and external partners, this position is responsible for community outreach and public education regarding topics concerning veteran benefits and resources
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and policies when advising veterans, dependents, and their families concerning entitlements, benefits, and other related issues. Provide accurate and tailored guidance based on complex regulatory frameworks.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and provide case management to determine client needs and eligibility for county, state, and federal veteran benefits and programs. Develop and implement individualized action plans to support client goals and monitor progress.
- Interview veterans and their survivors to identify eligibility for various VA benefits; compensation, pension, or dependency benefits. Collect and analyze personal and service-related information to determine the appropriate benefits and services.
- Prepare and submit claims and applications for Veterans Administration, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, state and county benefit programs, and local community resources. Ensure timely submission and completeness of documentation.
- Collaborate with key partners including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Ramsey County departments, and other local entities to coordinate services and facilitate seamless access to programs and resources.
- Respond to veterans in crisis by providing short- and long-term case management. Assist with immediate problem-solving, resource connections, and the development of action plans to stabilize and address long-term needs.
- Conduct targeted outreach to identify and assist homeless and justice-involved veterans, including those living in unsheltered locations or in correctional facilities. Provide direct support and advocate for resources.
- Plan and deliver community outreach and education on veteran benefits and services. Serve as a subject-matter expert at community events and training sessions for both internal and external partners.
- Maintain accurate case records and documentation using various computer applications. Track client interactions, benefits applications, and outcomes while preparing and submitting reports to state and federal agencies.
- Develop expertise and stay current on veteran benefits by attending regular training sessions provided by the Veterans Administration and Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Ensure knowledge of changes to eligibility requirements and application processes.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Military Service:
- Must be a veteran with an honorable discharge, as defined under Minnesota Statute 197.447.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Social Services, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- Four or more years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Administering social service benefits, Veterans Benefits, or Social Security Benefits
- Case management
- Customer service in a social services or benefits-related setting
Experience Substitution:
- An Associate degree or
- Two years of experience as a noncommissioned or commissioned officer in the military,
- PLUS two or more years of experience in Veterans Benefits, social services-related work, or other relevant military experience.
Education and Experience Substitution:
- An equivalent combination of education and related work experience totaling 6 yrs may be considered in place of the stated education and experience requirements.
Exam/Screening Process Information
•Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" do not cut and paste resume as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer. The list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 6 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list. The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 35 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Corrin.FaggeTt@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County
Saint Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota 55101
US
