County Veterans Service Officer
Full-Time, 80 hours/pay
Venango County Veteran Affairs Office
Troy A. Wood Human Services Complex, Franklin, PA
SEIU Hourly Twelve
$14.2600/hr
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB
Provides confidential administrative and clerical support for the Veterans Affairs office for Venango County Veterans, Armed Forces members, their dependents and survivors through benefits counseling and programs, claims and outreach services. This position supports the Veterans Affairs office in carrying out the Federal, State and County Code requirements to support veterans. Provides advice and assistance to veterans and/or their families concerning benefits and services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB
1. Prepares and submits Dependency and Indemnity Compensation applications for Surviving Spouses of Veterans who had Service-Connected Illnesses/Injuries (Federal).
2. Assists qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children with filing and issues pertaining to Survivors Pension. (Federal).
3. Authorizes and assists with County burial benefits applications for veteran’s survivor and care of graves.
4. Handles the acquisition of Government Headstones/Medallions (Federal).
5. Assists qualified surviving spouses in filing for Real Estate Tax Exemption (State).
6. Backs-up Director as needed in regard to Veterans Temporary Assistance (State and County).
7. Maintains records (files, databases, burial cards and record book) regarding County veterans who have passed away by reviewing obituaries, contacting funeral directors, cemetery representatives and Next of Kin. Prepares reports/lists for Memorial Day.
8. Assists with application for federal and VA burial benefits.
9. Assists in the distribution of flags and flag holders to funeral homes, cemetery associations and volunteers for placement on graves.
10. Handles requests for Military Discharge documents as necessary.
11. Serves as the initial point of contact for the office, answering phone calls and assisting visitors, scheduling appointments, and providing clerical support for outreach events.
12. Provides administrative support to the Director as necessary, typing, faxing, scanning, and mailing documents.
13. Sends requests for medical records as needed for claim development.
14. Interacts regularly with Federal, State, and County offices as necessary for multiple functions in the office.
15. Handles all ordering of needed supplies or equipment, including submitting requisitions through MUNIS.
16. Handles female military sexual trauma cases as needed.
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB
1. Assists with answering phones within the department and directs calls to the appropriate individual.
2. Types notifications and departmental documents and proofreads for accuracy.
3. Operates computer, copy machine, fax and other office equipment as needed to perform essential functions of job.
4. Performs simple calculations and light bookkeeping duties, as needed.
5. Performs other job-related duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives occasional instruction and some supervision from Director in regard to daily work duties.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
No formal supervisory authority.
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Works indoors in adequate workspace, lighting and ventilation, but subject to fluctuations in temperatures.
2. Normal exposure to noise and stress, but subject to frequent disruptions.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS
1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit and stand for long periods throughout the work day with intermittent periods of walking and occasional bending, twisting, reaching and stooping as necessary to carry out job duties.
3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands feet/legs, and/or torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
4. Light work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with weights of 20 to 30 pounds; i.e. mail binds, ledgers, etc.
5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
6. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
A.
High school diploma or equivalency is required. Must successfully complete Veterans Accredited Representative certification within 1 year and must maintain certification throughout employment.
B.
Four years of clerical work experience in an office environment is required. Experience working in county government, court or legal field is preferred. General office skills including experience operating a personal computer utilizing Word, Excel and Powerpoint is required along with record keeping and file maintenance.
C.
· Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History, Act 151 PA Child Abuse and FBI clearances prior to employment. All clearances must reflect acceptable rates. Clearances must be renewed every four years.
· Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”
· Must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.
2. Must possess good communication skills.
3. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
4. Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
5. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating a personal computer and other office equipment as necessary to carry out job duties with accuracy and reasonable speed. This includes Word, Excel and Power Point software knowledge.
6. Must possess the ability to learn and comply with provisions of federal rules in regard to the County of Venango and department policies and procedures.
7. Must possess the ability to interact appropriately with the general public, clients and others dealing with department programs and procedures.
8. Must possess knowledge and ability to practice correct usage of grammar, spelling and filing.
9. Must possess the ability to learn assigned clerical tasks and adhere to prescribed departmental procedures.
10. Must possess the ability to perform simple math calculations and tabulations accurately and within reasonable speed.
11. Must possess the ability to learn County rules, procedures and department functions.
12. Must possess ability to correctly answer questions from general public regarding department rules and procedures.
13. Must have a basic knowledge of veterans’ benefits under federal, state and local laws.
ATTENTION APPLICANTS:
All applicants are required to submit a County Application for Employment in order to be considered for this position.
Veterans claiming veterans’ hiring preference must provide a valid DD214 form that clearly displays an honorable or general discharge and dates of service completed.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: 8/24/2026 at 4:00 p.m.
EOE M/F/D/V **THE COUNTY OF VENANGO IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.**
Pay: From $14.26 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 457(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
