Central Utah Outreach Program Specialist/Veterans Service Officer

About the role

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (DVMA) is seeking a dedicated, mission-driven Veterans Service Officer (VSO). In this role, you will act as a primary advocate, helping local veterans, military members, and their families navigate and secure the benefits they have earned.

Position Information

• Salary Range: $19.28 - $32.33
• Status: Full-time
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Work Schedule & Travel: Requires regular travel across the service area and occasional holiday and weekend work for events.
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining a security clearance, if needed.
• Location: Central Utah Region (Counties: Utah, Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah and others)
• Recruiter: Jill Barela I jbarela@utah.gov I 385-202-4484
• Application Deadline: 09/15/2026

Key Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy & Case Management:
  • Conduct Eligibility Assessments: Interview veterans and beneficiaries to evaluate their eligibility for various state and federal benefit programs under the Veterans Benefits Acts. Provide referrals when appropriate.
  • Manage Claims Processes: Prepare, submit, and track complex compensation and pension claims, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Set Clear Expectations: Educate claimants on their role in the application process, the scope of your support, and the legal framework governing VA decisions.
  • Maintain Confidentiality: Handle sensitive personal information with care, strictly safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Program Navigation & Education:
  • Navigate Digital Platforms: Efficiently utilize VA.gov, Veterans.utah.gov, and related state and federal systems to process information.
  • Educate on State Benefits: Guide clients through state-specific veteran benefits, including tax abatements, Veteran Resource Centers, in-state tuition, legal assistance, state park passes, Veteran cemetery, State Veterans' Homes, First Times Homebuyer Program, Military Retirement Tax, while being familiar with partner programs like those offered by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), etc.
  • Educate on Federal VA Benefits: Provide counseling on disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), burial benefits, housing assistance, etc.
  • Explain Complex Eligibility Criteria: Effectively communicate and clarify the statutory eligibility requirements established by the VA for granting Service-Connected Disability (SCD), Burial Benefits, and Survivor Pension/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
• Outreach & Communication:
  • Community Representation: Attend meetings and serve on committees alongside VA staff and local community partners to promote DVMA programs.
  • Inquiry Resolution: Respond to inquiries from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and congressional offices in a clear, timely, and professional manner.

Qualifications

• Certification: Ability to become a VA-certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO) within six (6) months of hire.
• Training: Ability to successfully complete all mandatory state and federal training programs within designated timelines.
• Driving Record: A valid driver's license and a clean driving record (demonstrated by a recent DMV printout).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, web navigation, and email systems.
• Crisis Management: Ability to work effectively under high-pressure conditions—utilizing active listening and de-escalation techniques—while maintaining emotional composure, personal well-being, and professional effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Veteran Status: Preference will be given to veterans and disabled veterans who received an honorable discharge.
• Local Knowledge: Residence within Utah County is highly preferred due to the nature of the work and to facilitate outreach across the assigned region.

Education

• College education preferred, but will consider High School diploma or equivalent with military service.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Veterans Benefits Expertise: Working knowledge of VBA requirements and procedures for processing diverse veteran benefit claims.
• Interpersonal Communication: Ability to active-listen, communicate information clearly, and deliver engaging public presentations or training sessions.
• Professional Writing: Ability to draft clear, concise correspondence and formal responses to government agencies.
• Collaboration & Supervision: Ability to work collaboratively with community agencies and functionally supervise program volunteers.

Why You Should Join Our Team

We believe that those who serve our country deserve top tier support when they come home. Our vision is clear: Make Utah the best state in the nation to perform military missions and be recognized as a premier location for Veterans, service members and their families to live and succeed. When you join us, you’re not just taking a job—you’re becoming a dedicated advocate and innovator. We work across government, private, and non-profit sectors to open doors to available benefits, build a statewide community that honors service and expand opportunities on Utah’s military installations. Guided by five core principles—Respect, Awareness, Access, Responsiveness, and Effectiveness—we are building a culture where your service is valued and your mission continues.

Benefits

• Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retail Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.