Veterans Benefits Services Manager

Wounded Warrior Project • Tampa, FL

6d • $82,790 - $123,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Benefits Services Manager leads a team of service officers to assist warriors in obtaining Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) benefits. The manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a service officer team. The manager performs case/claims work with his/her team in addition to fulfilling leadership functions covering training, coaching, budgeting, and collaborating.

Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of VA and DoD benefits law and procedures.
• Subject matter expert in filing claims across the entire spectrum of DoD and VA benefit categories.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of regulations, precedents, and procedures related to the Medical/Physical Evaluation Board and Veterans Affairs disability rating system. Experienced handling complex case management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage local and remote staff members while maintaining high quality standards of service to warriors.
• Demonstrated understanding of relationship management and partnering. Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals, collaborate, and establish and build effective working relationships with individuals in leadership and key community roles.
• Ability to respond to sensitive matters with diplomacy and empathy.
• Strong presentation skills. Confident communicator, with demonstrated ability to present information effectively to large audiences, small groups, and individuals, and serve as representative of the organization.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to balance and communicate tactical and strategic initiatives of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to establish credibility, be decisive, influence others, and influence change.
• High energy level. Self-starter; willing to take initiative.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of Wounded Warrior Project and its mission, values, programs and services, and the impact of these programs and services on wounded warriors and their families.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct.
• Mission-driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.
• Five years of veterans benefits advocacy experience as a VA accredited service officer.
• Three years of leadership and/or management experience.
• Department of Veterans Affairs certification as an accredited agent.
• Ability to obtain ASIST Certification within 1 year of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of experience preparing, and filling veterans benefits claims and providing representation and advocacy.
• Four or more years of leadership/management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree. Equivalent combination of education, experience, training, or certification may be considered in lieu of degree.
• ASIST Certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage a service officer team of local and remote WWP staff members as they work to identify veterans benefits available to warriors and assist and support these veterans by writing and submitting benefits claims to the Department of Defense and/or the Veterans Administration.
• Lead the veterans’ benefits services team as they serve as liaison between the VA and wounded service members and provide representation and advocacy for them with their benefits claims.
• Manage an active caseload of at least 33% of his/her team’s average caseload.
• Provide frequent performance feedback to teammates to highlight strengths and areas for development in one or more of the five individual contributor performance competencies.
• Establish and maintain a team of knowledgeable service officers prepared to address warrior claim needs across the spectrum of benefit categories. Responsible for the training, efficiency, and personal development of each service officer on the team.
• Represent WWP through public presentations at third-party events in support of WWP or other opportunities to educate veterans.
• Build collaborative relationships with WWP teammates and teams and partnerships with local representatives and staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs and relevant military and community organizations.
• Lead the veterans’ benefits services team to meet or exceed established goals for timeliness and successful completion of benefits claims.
• Utilizing WWP process and performance data, report to leadership the progress and outcomes of benefit trends.
• Stay abreast of current trends, discoveries, and medical conditions pertaining to wounded warriors. Share information with benefits services team members.
• In collaboration with leadership and the training team, provide staff training and education to maintain teammate VA accreditation.
• Manage budget, ensuring proper expense controls and accurate records.
• Attend and actively participate in required training and/or meetings, including but not limited to New Teammate Orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Leadership training, culture/team based training, or departmental huddles.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A flexible hybrid work schedule (three days in the office, two days’ work from home)
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for both teammates AND family members
• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• Medical/Prescription drug
• Dental
• Vision
• Life/AD&D
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k)-retirement plan
• Competitive PTO package
• Sick Leave
• Family Care Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Birthday Holiday
• Education Assistance
• Teammate Wellness Program
• Bereavement Leave

What This Job Offers

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