Interviews will be conducted within two weeks after the closing of the job post.

This position ensures a full array of customer service in assisting veterans and their eligible dependents with filing for VA and state veteran benefits earned through their service to country. The Veteran Service Officer (VSO) will perform duties as outlined by the service delivery system of the NM Department of Veteran Services. This position will maintain current knowledge of and accreditation in accordance with the Title 38 CFR 14.629 and eligibility of benefits under New Mexico Laws of 1978 as amended.

The VSO will submit necessary reports to the supervisor and will maintain confidential records in accordance with all requirements of the data privacy laws and the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA). The VSO will coordinate with the supervisor to develop and plan marketing strategies along with coordinating community veteran outreach and town hall meetings. The VSO will coordinate with the supervisor concerning the status of the individual veterans claims. The VSO will keep current on all federal and state veteran benefits and coordinate with supervisor to maintain all mandatory training and accreditation requirements set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veteran Service Officer will process complex state and federal benefit claims for veterans and eligible dependents in accordance with state and federal regulations, rules policies/procedures. The VSO determines eligibility for state and federal benefits in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Administration, Title 38 Laws Appeals process.

The ideal candidate is someone with excellent customer service, organizational and communication skills. This position requires many hours of community outreach, so having prior community outreach experience is a plus.

High School Diploma or Equivalent and two (2) years experience in customer service, office administration, government assistance programs such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security benefits and/or public housing. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

For utilization at the Department of Veterans Services only:
Two (2) years of active duty service in the Armed Forces will substitute for the required experience listed above. Hiring preference will be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces.

Candidate must be able to pass a Veterans Administration fingerprint and background check. This position will be required to travel in the City of Clovis and surrounding rural communities for outreach and training.

State of New Mexico employees may be impacted by the Public Health Order dated August 12, 2022, which requires facilities licensed or certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS"), including all hospital types, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospice facilities and rehabilitation facilities, as well as assisted living facilities and adult day care settings, to adhere to all COVID-related requirements prescribed by CMS, including, but not limited to masking and staff vaccination.

In addition, employees working in State correctional facilities who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to inmates are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive phone and personal computer usage. Direct client interaction and some travel may be required.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.