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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13414729

The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) serves as the primary advocate and benefits development specialist for Veterans and their families served by the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Macoupin County. Under the supervision of the Superintendent, the VSO provides expert assistance with VA disability compensation claims, pension claims, survivor benefits, education benefits, healthcare enrollment, PACT Act toxic exposure claims, and all other Federal and State Veterans\' benefits programs. The VSO also aids with local financial aid and referrals to partner agencies.

This position requires a high standard of professional ethics, confidentiality, Veterans-advocacy skill, and compliance with VA accreditation requirements. The VSO is the direct service connection between Macoupin County\'s approximately 3,156 Veterans and the benefits they have earned.

VA Claims Development & Advocacy

• Conduct client interviews with Veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents to identify military service history, potential service connections, toxic exposure, and eligibility for VA benefits programs.
• Review and evaluate Military Personnel Records, Service Treatment Records, DD-214s, military unit records, and private/VA medical records to develop well-grounded claims.
• Develop VA disability compensation claims under 38 USC 1110, 38 CFR Parts 3 & 4, and the VA M21-1 Adjudication Manual, including nexus letters, lay statements, DBQs, and IMOs.
• Develop PACT Act and Toxic Exposure claims under Public Law 117-168 and 38 CFR 3.307(a)(7) for Veterans with burn pit, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposure histories.
• Process VA Pension and Aid & Attendance claims under 38 USC 1521 and 38 CFR 3.351, including complete income and asset analysis.
• Develop Survivor Benefits (DIC) claims under 38 USC 1310 and 38 CFR 3.5 for surviving spouses and dependents.
• Prepare and submit MST-related claims in accordance with 38 CFR 3.304(f) and VA MST policy guidance; handle MST matters with strict confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Prepare and file formal appeals utilizing all three lanes of the AMA (Appeals Modernization Act): Supplemental Claims, Higher Level Review, and Board of Veterans Appeals.
• Track claim progress and communicate updates to Veterans through the Tyler Enterprises VBS Software system.

Financial Assistance & Local Benefits

• Determine eligibility for VAC financial assistance programs under 330 ILCS 45, including Veterans Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Disaster Assistance.
• Conduct financial evaluations, review household income and asset documentation, and prepare financial worksheets for Superintendent review and approval.
• Facilitate referrals to Illinois Department of Human Services, Social Security Administration, Housing Authority, HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other local and state assistance programs.

Healthcare Enrollment & Education Benefits

• Assist Veterans with enrollment in VA Healthcare under 38 USC 1705, including completion of VA Form 10-10EZ and coordination with Marion VAMC, John Cochran VA Medical Center and Illiana Healthcare System.
• Provide guidance on GI Bill education benefits (38 USC Ch. 30/33), Dependent Education Assistance (DEA, Ch. 35), and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E).

Community Outreach & Partner Relations

• Conduct outreach to Veterans and families in Macoupin County, including home visits for Veterans who are unable to travel to the VAC office due to disability or age.
• Develop and present educational programs on VA benefits, the PACT Act, and other Veterans\' issues to community organizations, VSO posts, healthcare providers, and the public.
• Maintain working relationships with partner agencies including IDVA, IDHS, Marion VAMC, John Cochran VA Medical Center, Illiana Healthcare System, Illinois National Guard, Macoupin County Job Center and the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and complete client files within the Tyler Enterprises VBS Software system; document all client contacts, claim updates, financial assistance determinations, and referrals.
• Maintain VA accreditation in compliance with VA Office of General Counsel requirements (38 CFR 14.626635) and NACVSO accreditation standards, including annual continuing education.
• Comply with all VA security training, FBI background check requirements, HIPAA-adjacent privacy standards, and VAC document retention policies