Veterans Service Officer I

Overview

At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.

Job Description

General Functions

This position is responsible for assisting veterans, dependents, and survivors in accessing federal, state, and local benefits. The Veterans Service Officer is responsible for building a foundational knowledge of VA regulations, participates in training for accreditation, and supports outreach and administrative functions to ensure quality service and advocacy for the veteran community.

Work is performed with considerable independence under the supervision of the Veteran Service Officer II and III/Program Manager. Performance is reviewed through observations, reports, and results achieved.

Representative Duties/Assignments

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties; it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Interpret and apply VA laws, regulations, and VA procedures to individual cases to ensure accurate benefit eligibility determinations.
• Remain current on changes to federal and state veterans' benefits programs and effectively communicate relevant updates to clients.
• Conduct thorough interviews with veterans, dependents, and survivors to assess eligibility for VA benefits
• Review service records, medical documentation, and supporting evidence to develop strong claims and appeals and prepare, submit, and track claims for VA benefits.
• Prepare and assist in the development and submission of veterans benefits claims by gathering and organizing supporting records and documentation; maintain accurate case notes and ensure timely data entry in the client tracking system.
• Assist with walk-ins, phone inquiries, and appointment scheduling as needed and enter, update and maintain data, case notes, files, and documentation in client tracking systems ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Attend training, workshops, and conferences to maintain VA accreditation and to expand accreditation to other Veteran Service Organizations while strictly adhering to confidentiality standards in accordance with HIPAA and applicable federal guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions and support outreach activities; plan, organize, develop, and deliver presentations to groups as requested.
• Refer clients to appropriate internal and external resources; monitor changes in veterans, social services and public assistance related laws, rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Shall have a two year degree from an accredited university, college, or community college or a high school degree or equivalency diploma and four (4) years of administrative experience as provided in Florida Statutes Section 292.11.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Must attain Florida Department of Veteran Affairs Service Officer certification within one (1) year of hire.

Must have honorably served in the active component of the United States Armed Forces and provide a valid DD214, or be the surviving spouse of any such veteran.

Preferences

Knowledge and understanding of veteran benefits, and experience conducting interviews, assessments, or intake processes.

Cross accreditation with Veteran Service Organizations.

Must demonstrate intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, case manaement systems, (e.g., VetPro), and related tools.

Application Deadline

Open Date: 03/05/2026

Close Date: 03/19/2026

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: 015 - From $25.00 to $28.75

FLSA Status: Exempt

Placement based on Education and Experience

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
• 18 days paid time off per year.
• Longevity bonus based on years of service.
• 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
• Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
• Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
• Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
• Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Earn service time to forgive student loans.

Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx

Veterans Preference

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.

Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.

Educational Requirements

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

Notes

Selected candidates will be required to provide employment references and will be required to complete a pre-employment drug, physical and background check.