VETERANS SPECIALIST

La Crosse County•La Crosse, WI

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Benefits Specialist serves as a subject matter expert responsible for administering, coordinating, and advising on federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits programs. As a Veterans Benefits Specialist, this role provides comprehensive case management on benefits counseling and claims support to veterans and their dependents. The position ensures accurate application of federal and state regulations, advocates on behalf of clients, and promotes access to earned benefits while maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Must qualify for and maintain eligibility for accreditation through The Office of General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs with multiple veteran's organizations such as, but not limited to, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Accreditation includes annual training, which will require overnight travel, and may also include passing of background checks conducted by the various organizations.
Associate Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Administrative Assistant, Office Computer Specialist or other closely related field.
Five years of office experience.
High level of interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and clerical abilities.
Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook Calendar.

Nice To Haves

Experience with programs for veteran benefits is a plus.

Responsibilities

Interprets and applies federal regulations (e.g., 38-CFR), VA policies (M21-1), and Wisconsin Statutes and guidelines (Chapter 45) regarding veterans' benefits.
Functions as an advocate and advisor to ensure timely and accurate adjudication of claims regarding veterans' benefits, as to how it affects a variety of issues and problems including, but not limited to: financial assistance, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse, homelessness, unemployment, relocation, vocational adjustment, mental illness, physical disabilities, and marital status.
Applies knowledge of internal and external resources, organizations, and programs while actively learning and collaborating with community partners.
Investigates eligibility and develops individualized benefits strategies based on each veteran’s service history, medical conditions, and financial situation for veterans and dependents with various benefits to include, but not limited to, compensation, pensions, insurance, education, healthcare, grants, loans, survivor benefits and burial benefits.
Conducts intake interviews and assess eligibility for various federal, state, and local benefit programs.
Administers and manages veterans’ benefits claims, including compensation, pension, education, healthcare, and ancillary benefits.
Develops, reviews and submits VA claims (e.g., VA Form 21-526EZ, 20-0996, 21-4138, etc.).
Guides veterans in the appeals processes, including developing Supplemental Claims, advocating for Veterans in Higher-Level Reviews, and preparing for Board of Veterans Appeals.
Analyzes and determines appropriate filing of claims, through detailed review of medical records, service records, supporting documentation along with historical facts using multiple avenues such as verbal history, books, computer, etc.
Provides direction and guidance to other workers in the office concerning regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department functions.
Exhibits strong multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage several responsibilities and shifting priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrates exceptional accuracy in handling and organizing information, ensuring data integrity across all systems and workflows.
Consistently documents all interactions with clear, thorough detail to support effective communication, follow up, and compliance.
Maintains the Veterans Service Office database to ensure all information remains current and ensures accurate data submission to State and Federal systems.
Maintains accurate, confidential case records in full compliance with regulatory standards, including HIPAA requirements for safeguarding medical information.
Answers telephone and interviews callers to determine need; maintains department calendar and provides callers and public with general and specific information regarding the work of the department.
Provides administrative support to County committees, typing and mailing notices, agendas, minutes, and preparing vouchers for approval and keeping files.
May attend meetings and keep minutes in the absence of the Department Head.
Assists in preparation of budget and annual reports.
Generates vouchers for approval and reports regarding the purchase and issuance of supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the department and the maintenance of a perpetual inventory record.
Participates in the preparation for hiring of department staff. This includes but is not limited to participating in interviews and making recommendations for hiring.
Assists veterans applying for correction of military records, upgrading character of separation from service, or requesting character of service determination from the Dept of Veteran Affairs.
Creates and maintains positive, collaborative relationships with peers, VA representatives, federal and public healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Maintains good public relations and outreach with veterans' service organizations and the public by attending and speaking at outreach events in the community.
In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful always, with the public and clients.
Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.