Veterans Affairs Fld Svcs Repr I

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

8d•$47,408•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a VSR for the Claims & Benefits Division at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. The role involves coordinating benefits and services for eligible veterans and their dependents, acting as a legal representative or Power of Attorney before U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) federal boards. The representative serves as an advocate for veterans to maximize services and benefits in a designated geographical area and acts as a liaison to other federal and state agencies regarding veterans' services and benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of work experience in the military or veterans’ programs for each year of the required education.
Knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations pertaining to veterans benefits and programs.
Knowledge of Social Security, Worker’s Compensation, and other rules, policies, and programs that affect veterans benefits.
Knowledge of benefit counseling and interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of common adjustment problems experienced by veterans.
Sufficient proficiency in the English language to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ability to independently research laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions for appellant cases.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to use various software and agency-specific computer programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, discharged under honorable conditions, and eligible for veteran’s placement under the Civil Service rules.
Must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel requirements associated with this position.
Must be willing to relocate to a central area within their assigned territory.

Nice To Haves

Applicants applying for Level I must obtain accreditation by a veterans’ service organization, which has been certified by the USDVA, within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

Interviews veterans and families assessing their needs and eligibility for state and federal benefits in areas such as medical treatment, disability compensation, insurance, pension, debt management, education, training, and rehabilitation.
Performs case management duties including assessment, researching information, compiling reports, filing claims, formulating appeals, and obtaining benefits.
Interprets laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, and provides assistance in completing required forms.
Counsels and assists clients in utilizing appropriate resources, identifies deficiencies, and develops strategies to obtain maximum benefits.
Advises clients on documentation required to support benefit claims and makes referrals to other agencies and resources.
Reviews rating board decisions for compliance with Title 38 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, determines if an appeal is warranted, and initiates the appeal process by preparing a written brief.
Obtains client's Power of Attorney as necessary.
Prepares financial statements and interprets the correlation of Social Security, military retirement, other income, and net worth affecting USDVA pension and compensation.
Assists clients in dealing with the USDVA Debt Management Agency.
Prepares financial reports to support client requests for waiver, postponement, compromise offers, or repayment plans for benefit overpayments.
Independently reviews client USDVA files, evaluates evidence including veterans’ service and post-service medical records, and service histories.
Researches laws, regulations, policies, and case law/precedent decisions from USDVA Board of Veterans Appeals and US Court of Veterans Appeals to prepare for hearings.
Writes appellant briefs on issues previously adjudicated at a lower level.
Acts as claimant’s legal representative during informal hearings before USDVA decision review officers, formal hearings before USDVA administrative hearing officers, and Board of Veterans Appeals administrative law judges.
Presents oral arguments during hearings and obtains sworn testimony during formal hearings.
Plans, develops curriculum, conducts, and coordinates training seminars and certification training for veteran’s service organization’s service officers, entry-level VA Field Representatives, and others as requested.
Develops, maintains, and coordinates comprehensive veterans outreach and public information programs, including certification through Veterans Affairs Regional Office.
Serves as agency liaison and guest speaker at civic functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position and agency operations.