Appeals Chief

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) was created by the State Legislature in 1999 as an executive agency with the mission of assisting veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service. Under the Department of Veterans and Military Families are five major programs: Service and Benefits Program, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Cemetery and Memorial Program, Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Programs, and the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. The Department of Veterans and Military Families is seeking an Appeals Chief. This position is eligible for telework one (1) day per week. This position is limited to current employees of the Department of Veterans and Military Families only.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Five years of administrative staff or professional work.
Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Responsibilities

Initiates and presents claims for compensation, pension, entitlements, and other benefits to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies on behalf of veterans, their eligible dependents, and their survivors.
Responsible for all administrative appeals filed on behalf of Maryland veterans and their families.
Acts as attorney-in-fact in advocating a claim, considering a wide range of legal, medical, occupation, and other factors, some of which may be characterized by elements of controversy or conflict.
Establishes the medical aspects of a claim by evaluating medical reports, laboratory findings, x-ray reports, etiology of disease or injuries, and the degree of resulting disability for percentage determination under the Department of Veterans Affairs rating schedule.
Provides requested assistance and information in person, in writing, or by telephone to veterans and/or dependents for the purpose of answering inquiries and completing claims.
After veterans’ claims have been denied, reviews all pertinent case files to determine what additional evidence is needed to obtain a favorable decision.
Provides assistance in developing evidence to veterans so they can be represented in their personal appeals before the Department of Veteran Affairs at the local level or at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Requires the ability to work across all Service Program Benefit offices that are within 50 miles of your assigned location.
Formulates final reports and effective recommendations based on analyses conducted on appeals at the local level as well as appeals held at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Provides requested assistance and information to internal and external customers in a prompt and courteous manner.
Communicates in a helpful and informative manner to maintain good public relations.
Gives equal consideration to all people in accordance with the Code of Fair Practices.