Veteran Service Officer (full or part-time)

Crook, County of•Prineville, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary duties of this position involve counseling and assisting military veterans and their dependents or survivors. Work involves assisting and advising claimants in their pursuit of benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies. Duties include studying and explaining State and Federal veterans’ legislation, regulations and procedures, consulting with medical care providers, preparing veterans benefit claims, and consulting with other government agencies to ensure that their clientele are receiving the maximum level of assistance and benefits to which they are entitled.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal rules, regulations, and statutes of the VA and ODVA
Knowledge of Case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Knowledge of Etiology and relationship of medical conditions
Knowledge of Medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology
Knowledge of Social Security, Medicare, and all need-based federal and state programs
Knowledge of legal documents and processes necessary to substantiate claims benefits.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conforms to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, or other groups.
Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

Nice To Haves

General training in IS 100, 200, 700, 800, 300, 400.

Responsibilities

Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability).
Assist veterans in applying for available state benefits from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), by initiating or reopening claims.
Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s).
Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veteran’s military buddies, family members, or other sources.
File application for eligible veterans for education under the GI Bill, or for vocational rehabilitation.
Counsel and advise survivors of a deceased veterans in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
Veterans Administration home loan benefits.
Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
Enter all claims information on computer and stats on the County tracking worksheet.
Maintain claims information in VetraSpec.
Keep in contact with VA Officials as the veteran’s Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims.
Assist veterans/dependents to the best of ability within the VA guidelines, in appealing denied claims to the local VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C.
Direct veterans on how to obtain necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS) and research information.
Access and obtain information regarding claims from Veteran Benefit Management System (VBMS).
Maintain confidentiality according to HIPPA rules.
Support implementation of coordinated strategies to promote services and connect resources with the veteran community.
Provide coverage at community meetings and gatherings as needed.
Complete General Training in IS 100, 200, 700, 800, 300, 400.
Support NIMS program implementation for the County.
Perform other duties as assigned.