Job Posting
Tribal Veterans Services Officer - (Veterans Services)
Reports To: Principal Chief
Department: Veterans Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Purpose: This position is responsible for interviewing, advising and assisting all veterans as well as their families and dependents in obtaining state, local and federal entitlements. The VSO serves as a liaison between the federal and state Department of Veterans Affairs and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
Job Duties:
Satisfactory job performance will be determined by successful execution of the following:
• Serves as a liaison between the Veterans Affairs and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma veterans.
• Serves as a point of contact and an advocate for Seminole Nation veterans and veterans’ families about their potential VA benefits.
• Encourages and refers veterans and families to seek professional help for symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Identifies and obtains all forms of veterans’ benefits Service-Connected Disabilities; Pensions, Education and Training; Direct Loan Programs; Life Insurance; Burial and Memorial Benefits; Reserve and National Guard; Transition Assistance; Dependents and Survivors Health Care and Benefits; Appeals of VA Claims Decisions; Military Medals and Records; VA Forms online; and other federal benefits.
• Evaluates important data and information and provides advice to clients on their rights to veterans’ benefits and claims.
• Conducts full investigation to secure evidence of marriages, military service, deaths, and medical disabilities in support of claims for services rendered.
• Performs investigations to determine their eligibility and works directly
with veterans in filing for benefits and claims.
• Develop correspondence to medical doctors and other medical professionals to
request information for processing medical claims.
• Maintains visibility in the community and helps develop a sense of trust with
veterans.
• Travels to rural areas for community outreach to the underserved veterans.
• Works with State and Federal Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Service
Organizations, VA facilities, Indian Health Service, tribal health systems and
community services to provide services.
• Maintains a database of veterans and tracking system for veteran benefits and claims processed to VA.
• Builds and maintains a database of volunteers in the time-honored tradition of Honor Guard/Color Guard services to bear honors at ceremonies for the fallen, or veterans when they pass away or to present colors/flags of the United States of America, State of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, armed service or organization at a presentation or ceremony.
• Coordinates transportation for tribal veterans, as needed, to appropriate Veteran
Administration Offices to receive services.
• Performs all tasks and duties as required.
• May be called upon to assist other Native Americans and non-Native Americans
veterans and dependents on an as needed basis.
• Develop and implement policies and programs dedicated to veteran services department.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff within the department.
• Handle budget planning and financial management for veterans’ programs, grants, and department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Familiar with the basic operation of a computer and ability to utilize Microsoft
software applications, including database administration software.
• Knowledge of how to identify the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
• Ability to interpret Veteran Affairs regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate orally or in writing effectively.
• Ability to prepare and create concise reports and correspondence using
proper grammar and punctuation.
• Knowledgeable of Veterans Medical Benefits, Veterans Education Benefits,
Veterans Benefits Law, and Military Regulations, Procedures, and Policies.
• Knowledge of how to research, collect and document relevant information.
• Skilled in prioritizing work assignments to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of basic recordkeeping methods and techniques.
• Qualified to render assistance to claimants in the presentation of their claim(s).
• Ability to exercise diplomacy, always compassion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability in establishing and protecting confidential veteran client files.
Work Environment:
Work is performed indoors. Work hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tasks may be performed on uneven, inclined, hard and soft carpeted floors, cement structures and surfaces.
Duties may involve walking, standing for long periods of time, sitting and crouching.
Specific required movements include the following:
Trunk: bend, twist, rotate, push, pull, and carry.
Arms: reach, carry, push, pull, lift, twist, rotate
Legs: lift, push, pull, twist, rotate
Hands: grasp, manipulation, bilateral coordination, eye and hand coordination, overall and finger dexterity.
SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises staff, volunteers, and other seasonal staff in the Veterans Services department.
Plan and organize work to accomplish the departmental goals.
Track, monitor, and approval of staff work hours for payroll accuracy.
Provide feedback to staff and evaluate performance.
Provide guidance and support to department employees to address any issues or challenges they may face.
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of three (3) years of specialized experience in VA benefits counseling, determining proper evidence to support a claim, determining eligibility for the claimed benefit, filing VA benefits and claims and public relations.
Experience in working with various types of social human behavior preferred.
Must have or be able to obtain accreditation as a VSO.
▪ Valid Oklahoma driver’s license with ability to meet Seminole Nation liability insurance requirements and maintain eligibility for insurance.
▪ Must be able to pass background check, with no prior convictions and/or felonies.
▪ Must be able to comply with the Seminole Nation Drug Free Workplace policies.
Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.
Additional Information
Position Type : Full Time
Shift : Day
Closing Date: 06/19/2025 |
