National Pre-Discharge Claims Rep-Joint Base Myer JBAB

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position assists in the implementation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars outreach programs to military service members at military installations (including National Guard and Reserve units) in support of DoD’s Transition Assistance Program and the VA’s Pre-Discharge Program. The role involves representing separating active-duty military personnel by assisting with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) as well as the preparation, development, submission, and review of claims for transitioning service members’ benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The incumbent also reviews Pre-Discharge claims’ rating decisions as needed. The position is FLSA exempt and has no supervisory responsibility. The incumbent may make some authoritative decisions on individual claims but has limited impact beyond specific responsibilities. They may also be required to provide subject material to the National Veterans Service Training Assistant Director to enhance professional knowledge and proficiency at NVS training and may act as an instructor at training conferences. The incumbent plans and prioritizes their own work on a recurring basis, provides a weekly report to Field Operations leadership, schedules daily claims appointments (typically five per day), develops briefing schedules, and typically participates in VA transition briefings weekly. Routine problem-solving includes interviewing active-duty military personnel and recently discharged veterans to determine claim issues, ascertaining appropriate courses of action, reviewing VFW policies and procedures, applying applicable laws and government regulations, completing the filing process for veterans’ entitlements and benefits, monitoring case progression, and providing quality customer service. Typical problem-solving involves reviewing evidence to ensure sufficient materials are available to adequately develop a claim for transitioning service members’ disability compensation or referring applications as appropriate. The incumbent's typical contacts are 80% with transitioning active-duty military personnel for benefits advice, briefings, and claims assistance, and 20% with members of the veterans’ community to resolve questions and clarify claim status. The role has limited participation in the development of the National Veterans Service annual budget and long-term strategic plans.

Requirements

U.S. military service
VFW membership (member eligibility requirements at https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility)
Official DD214 required for verification of service details and VFW membership eligibility. Other official service documents may be required as necessary.
An associate degree and a minimum of one year previous experience in a closely related position, or a minimum of three years directly-related work experience.
Advanced human relations and customer service skills
Proficient analytical abilities are required to interface with both active-duty military personnel and the veterans’ community to analyze claims folders, research and apply applicable statutes, regulations, government directives, and VFW policies pertinent to the claim.
Knowledge of given subjects to such a degree as to make the incumbent authoritative in transitioning service members and veterans entitlements and benefits programs.
Public speaking as a regular duty.
Knowledge of given subjects to such a degree as to make the incumbent familiar in transitioning service members and veterans entitlements and benefits programs, which is normally gained through extensive study in either a business or academic environment, to include former military training.
Superior knowledge is required of military regulations, directives and terminology, including military discharge characterization, to properly represent separating active duty military personnel in applying for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Advanced knowledge of personal computers is required to include software applications, case management techniques and other electronic applications used in a fully automated office environment.
VFW accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs
Successful completion of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of claims (TRIP) test.
Incumbent will be required to successfully complete recertification tests to monitor their proficiency in the laws pertaining to veterans’ benefits.
Incumbent must be a self-starter and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

Makes presentations and prepares and processes claims for VA benefits as part of the implementation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars active service members’ outreach programs to military installations in the assigned geographical area, in support of the VA’s Pre-Discharge Program.
Performs as a case manager for service members’ claims.
Prepares statements on behalf of the Pre-Discharge client’s claim, and if necessary, appeal.
Advises service members in obtaining medical evidence from VA/DoD attending physicians, and other health care professionals.
Conducts research and inquiries pertaining to military services policies and regulations.
Interacts with pertinent military officials in fulfillment of the mission to provide assistance to separating/retiring service members.
Maintains regular contact and partners with the sponsoring base Transition Manager.
Describes the posture of the Veterans of Foreign Wars service programs to separating service members and, as directed by the Assistant Director, to local veterans communities and federal agencies.
Interacts with other veterans’ service organizations and state veteran service agencies.
Incorporates statutes, regulations and government directives to ensure that service members’ interests are articulated in accordance with VFW national mandates and the VA requirements.
Processes inquiries from the military community concerning veterans’ benefits.
Ensures that the appropriate claims forms are accurately and timely submitted.
When requested by the Assistant Director, mentors recently hired VFW Pre-Discharge claims reps and department service officers (DSOs).
Coordinates, as appropriate, with the local VFW DSO to refer veterans for DSO assistance.
Interacts daily with DOD and VA employees to present the VFW program and to facilitate a constructive working relationship.
Prepares instructional material and professional presentations as part of the VFW’s support for the VA’s Pre-Discharge Program conducted on military installations in the assigned geographical area.
Provides quality customer service to military personnel by ensuring inquiries are adequately reviewed and processed, appropriate documentation is accurately completed, and VA benefits claims and appeals are submitted to the applicable agency in a timely manner in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ensures that active-duty personnel and, to a limited degree, members of the veterans’ community are counseled concerning their rights and entitlements and are represented in a caring and highly professional manner.
Prepares instructional classes for the National Veterans Service training program.
Ensures proper records are maintained to render timely and accurate reports to the Assistant Director, Field Operations to include a weekly report of activities.
Ensures no client’s Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is stored or maintained locally, in office or on computer hard drive.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned to include reassignment to other duty locations in the National Capitol Region to meet the business need of the VFW.