Veterans Affairs Fld Svcs Repr I

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Affairs Field Services Rep I serves the Claims & Benefits Division at the Muskogee Claims Office. This entry-level position advocates for veterans and their families by coordinating benefits and related services, assisting with claims and appeals, and serving as a liaison to other federal and state agencies. The representative works under close supervision and builds skills in processing claims and services under federal and state laws and regulations. Limited responsibility may include preparing written briefs or representing veterans before decision review officers, administrative hearing officers, and administrative law judges.

The role involves interviewing veterans and families to assess needs and eligibility; managing cases through research, reports, claims, appeals, and benefit applications; explaining applicable regulations and required documentation; and referring clients to appropriate resources. It may also involve reviewing claim decisions, preparing financial statements and reports related to benefits and overpayments, reviewing client files and evidence, preparing for hearings, and presenting arguments or testimony. Other functions include supporting training and certification seminars and coordinating veterans outreach and public information programs.

The position is based at 125 S. Main Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401. Annual salary is $47,408. Applicants must be U.S. Armed Forces veterans discharged under honorable conditions and eligible for veteran’s placement under Civil Service rules. Level I employees must obtain accreditation through a USDVA-certified veterans’ service organization within six months of employment. The employee must be willing and able to meet job-related travel requirements and relocate to a central area within the assigned territory.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of military or veterans’ programs work experience for each year of required education.
• Must be a U.S. Armed Forces veteran, discharged under honorable conditions, and eligible for veteran’s placement under Civil Service rules.
• Must obtain accreditation by a USDVA-certified veterans’ service organization within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations pertaining to veterans benefits and programs.
• Knowledge of Social Security, Workers’ Compensation, and other rules, policies, and programs that affect veterans benefits.
• Knowledge of benefit counseling and interviewing techniques and common adjustment problems experienced by veterans.
• Ability to independently research laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions for appellant cases.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, follow written and oral instructions, use software and agency-specific computer programs, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be willing and able to fulfill job-related travel requirements and relocate to a central area within the assigned territory.

Responsibilities

• Interview veterans and their families to assess needs and eligibility for state and federal benefits and services.
• Manage cases by researching information, compiling reports, filing claims, preparing appeals, and helping clients obtain benefits.
• Interpret laws, regulations, and procedures; assist clients with required forms; counsel them on resources; identify deficiencies and advise on documentation needed to support claims.
• Review rating board decisions for compliance with Title 38 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, determine whether an appeal is warranted, prepare written briefs, and obtain clients’ Power of Attorney as needed.
• Prepare financial statements and reports concerning income, net worth, benefits, and requests related to overpayments; assist clients in dealing with the USDVA Debt Management Agency.
• Review client USDVA files and evidence, research relevant laws and precedent decisions, and prepare for hearings and appellant briefs.
• Represent claimants at informal and formal USDVA hearings, present oral arguments, and obtain sworn testimony during formal hearings.
• Plan, develop, conduct, and coordinate training seminars and certification training for service officers and other personnel, as requested.
• Develop, maintain, and coordinate veterans outreach and public information programs, including certification through the Veterans Affairs Regional Office; serve as an agency liaison and guest speaker at civic functions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level