STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER - 50001541

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent will be assigned to the Bureau of Field Services, Lake Baldwin OPC. The primary responsibility of the incumbents in the positions allocated to this class is to perform administrative and professional duties required to work within the medical clinic and vet center as needed, interviewing veterans and family members, preparing and submitting claims for benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This task will be accomplished using established policies and procedures to ensure that all phases of assigned duties are covered. To advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits and support. Meet, interview, counsel, using VA Data systems and obtain information in order to prepare and submit claims for any and all federal and state benefits that each client may be entitled to. Assist in preparing and perfecting” appeals”, provide representation at fee basis, hardship eligibility hearings, request for waivers of federal entitlements, military discharge review hearings or Regional Office VA hearings as required. Review and interpret VA laws, rules and regulations affecting veteran’s entitlements in applying for federal and state veterans’ benefits. Respond to telephonic or written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, Post, Chapter, County, and State Veterans Service officers with accurate and complete information. Provide accurate and current information relative to problems with the administration of benefits with the local agency of jurisdiction, process daily incoming mail and correspondence. Complete forms and documents utilizing the Department's Systems. This includes entering all clients’ information into the computer database. If working in a medical center or hospital visit each new admission to the medical center at the veteran’s bedside within 48 hours of admission. Assist all accredited organizations, state, county or others in obtaining medical information necessary to support claims for benefits. Maintain rapport and liaison with VA outpatient staff regarding case development and treatment to support claims processing and advocacy issues. Confer with clinic, service center and medical center staff as required. Safeguard and protect all private medical information and claims information in accordance with appropriate regulations and statutes. Represent the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs by providing briefings and information on State and Federal veterans benefits at local events, military bases, medical center meetings, and community fairs and other events as determined your supervisor and the department. Represent FDVA on committees, advisory boards and consumer service programs established at VA medical centers and satellite outpatient facilities. Deploy and provide assistance during State emergencies such as providing assistance at disaster recovery centers (DRC) throughout the state after natural disasters. Assist in preparing forms, obtaining signatures, financial data, and personal information for veterans requesting admission to State Veterans Nursing Homes. When necessary visit and provide assistance to the home in completing applications, verifying eligibility and financial data and assisting family members in obtaining state and federal veterans’ benefits. Visit and provide on-site assistance, claims preparation and submission of claims to all Florida National Guard units in the geographical area. Maintain contact with all guard and reserve units and active military installations in the Florida geographical area. Perform other related duties to include but not limited to, attendance at conferences, seminars, schools of instruction and upon request serve as an instructor, or speaker at public events.

Requirements

• Served as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Separated from service under honorable conditions.
• A DD-214, Member Copy #4, MUST accompany your application.
• Ability and willingness to deal effectively and professionally at all times with diverse individuals.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Effective team player.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organization skills and ability to multi-task.
• Successful completion of the due diligence process to include, but not limited to, a Level II background check and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Three (3) years’ employment experience as a State Veterans Service Officer or comparable title / experience counseling and handling veterans' affairs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in web-based applications and specialized internet research.

Responsibilities

• Perform administrative and professional duties required to work within the medical clinic and vet center as needed.
• Interview veterans and family members.
• Prepare and submit claims for benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Advocate for Florida veterans and link them to services, benefits, and support.
• Meet, interview, and counsel veterans using VA Data systems to prepare and submit claims for federal and state benefits.
• Assist in preparing and perfecting appeals.
• Provide representation at fee basis, hardship eligibility hearings, requests for waivers of federal entitlements, military discharge review hearings, or Regional Office VA hearings.
• Review and interpret VA laws, rules, and regulations affecting veteran’s entitlements.
• Respond to telephonic or written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, and other service officers.
• Provide information relative to problems with the administration of benefits.
• Process daily incoming mail and correspondence.
• Complete forms and documents utilizing the Department's Systems, including entering client information into the computer database.
• Visit new admissions to the medical center at the veteran’s bedside within 48 hours of admission (if working in a medical center or hospital).
• Assist accredited organizations in obtaining medical information necessary to support claims for benefits.
• Maintain rapport and liaison with VA outpatient staff regarding case development and treatment.
• Confer with clinic, service center, and medical center staff as required.
• Safeguard and protect all private medical information and claims information.
• Provide briefings and information on State and Federal veterans benefits at local events, military bases, medical center meetings, and community fairs.
• Represent FDVA on committees, advisory boards, and consumer service programs.
• Deploy and provide assistance during State emergencies, such as at disaster recovery centers (DRC).
• Assist in preparing forms, obtaining signatures, financial data, and personal information for veterans requesting admission to State Veterans Nursing Homes.
• Visit and provide assistance to State Veterans Nursing Homes in completing applications, verifying eligibility and financial data, and assisting family members.
• Visit and provide on-site assistance, claims preparation, and submission of claims to all Florida National Guard units.
• Maintain contact with all guard and reserve units and active military installations.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and schools of instruction.
• Serve as an instructor or speaker at public events upon request.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package
• Optional deferred compensation plan
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Other supplemental insurance available at reasonable premium rates
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Nine (9) paid holidays
• Personal day
• Tuition waiver available for State Universities and Community Colleges (up to 6 credits per semester)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed