Veterans Coordinator

Eaton County•Charlotte, MI

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Community Development Director, the Veterans Coordinator coordinates and assists in administering the County's Veteran Services Office. The position interviews, counsels, and assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits and assistance available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It reviews medical statements relating to physical and mental conditions for initial claims and appeals, and develops and presents informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions. The role also responds to benefit questions from veterans, dependents, legislators, and veterans service organizations. The coordinator provides advocacy and assistance with federal resources, emergency relief, burial benefits, and other veterans' benefits. This includes assessing eligibility, preparing and presenting claims, maintaining beneficiary files, monitoring continued eligibility, researching relevant laws and decisions, connecting clients with other eligible benefits, conducting community outreach, coordinating transportation to a VA hospital, and preparing budgets and reports for supervisor review. The position may also summarize programs for officials and facilitate community or advisory committee meetings. The position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related social-services area; one to two years of related office administrative experience, including case management and public-facing work; proficiency in MS Office; and a valid Michigan driver's license with a good driving record. VA training certification and U.S. Armed Forces veteran status are desirable but not required. The work takes place in office conditions with staff and public contacts, and includes travel to meetings and training classes inside and outside the County.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related social-services area.
One to two years of related experience in an office administrative capacity, including case management and working with the public.
Reasonable writing and communication skills, with the ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and service organization representatives.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
Ability to communicate with distressed individuals and make decisions in those circumstances.
Proficiency in MS Office.
Valid Michigan driver's license and a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

VA training certification is desirable.
U.S. Armed Forces veteran status is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and assist in administering the County's Veteran Services Office.
Interview, counsel, and assist veterans and their dependents in seeking benefits and assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Review medical statements concerning physical and mental diseases and disabilities for initial claims and appeals.
Provide advocacy and assistance with federally available resources, emergency relief, burial benefits, and other veterans' services.
Review background, medical, and financial information to determine eligibility for Federal and State veterans' benefits.
Develop claims packages for disability, education, medical, and related benefits; complete forms and certify supporting documentation according to VA laws and regulations.
Consult technical experts regarding eligibility standards and application requirements for Federal and State veteran benefits.
Gather evidence, build cases, and present claims for determination or adjudication; interpret medical information and consult with doctors and other medical professionals.
Prepare, maintain, and monitor beneficiary claim files to support continued receipt of VA benefits; prepare annual pension eligibility verification and report unusual medical expenses or expenditures.
Research changes to Federal veterans-benefits laws and relevant decisions of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Inform veterans and family members about other benefits for which they may qualify, including Social Security, welfare, and vocational rehabilitation.
Conduct verbal and written community outreach through various media outlets; develop and present informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions.
Respond to benefit questions from veterans, dependents, legislators, and veterans service organizations.
Coordinate transportation of veterans to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
Prepare annual budgets and monthly reports for supervisor review and authorization.
As needed, provide written and oral program and project summaries to local and state officials and others, and host or facilitate community and advisory committee meetings.