Veterans Specialist

Guilford County • Nc, NC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting Guilford County military veterans and/or their dependents to apply for a variety of veteran's benefits such as educational assistance, medical treatment, pension benefits, G. I. life insurance, or burial benefits. Duties require the explanation and interpretation of the veteran's programs, qualification requirements, and assistance to veterans or qualifying family members in completing and submitting all required documentation. If necessary, the employee may make hospital visits to assist non-ambulatory applicants. Maintains files and supporting documents on each applicant. Answers questions and maintains a variety of files reflecting all daily activities of the office. Refers applicants to other County, State, Federal, or private programs as applicable. Works closely with the District Officer from the N. C. Division of Veterans Affairs, forwarding forms and seeking advice or clarification. Employees must maintain their knowledge of VA laws, regulations, and procedures through periodic review of State office memos, regulations, guidelines, and attendance at annual training workshops. Employees frequently compose letters, cards, and statements for clients in support of their claims, appeals, or applications. High public contact and requisite communication skills are critical to this role. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Veterans Services Director and is reviewed through conferences and periodic performance appraisals.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current federal and state legislation relating to benefits for military service, veterans and their dependents.
• Knowledge of programs, community organizations, agencies and activities rendering services to veterans.
• Knowledge of the legal documentation and processes necessary to substantiate Veteran benefit claims.
• Knowledge of office support practices and procedures.
• Ability to tactfully conduct interviews of a personal nature with veterans and their families to obtain accurate and complete information.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with veterans, veteran groups and government agencies.
• Ability to solve problems within scope of practice.
• Ability to effectively and fairly work with veterans, dependents.
• Ability to function independently.
• Ability to interpret and explain applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with persons from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in either written or verbal form.
• Ability to use a computer to access information via Veterans Administrations Benefits Delivery Network.
• Ability to operation a fax machine to send/receive documentation.
• Ability to use calculator to calculate income, rates for claims, and other statistical report information.
• Ability to type at the speed required of the position.
• Associates Degree in Administrative Office Technology, Business Administration, or related field, and two years of progressively responsible administrative or office management experience.
• Excellent computer experience and typing skills are required.

Nice To Haves

• Accreditation with North Carolina Division of Military and Veterans Affairs.
• Accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer and/or Veterans Service Representative.
• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in Veterans services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients to collect required information for claims and applications.
• Prepares applications and claims, collects additional documentation, and submits completed application packages to the Veterans Administration through the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs.
• Weekly communication with the District Officer.
• Contacts Social Security Administration, Employment Security Office, Red Cross, VA Hospitals, and other agencies to gather case information and respond to inquiries.
• Answers phone call inquiries regarding VA benefits and schedules office appointments for those individuals needing further assistance.
• Prepares income and medical expense reports to assist in VA benefit continuation.
• Meets with clients off-site to assist with application and claim completion.
• Compiles and prepares a monthly claims activity report for submission to the NC Division of Veterans Affairs.
• Complex operation of a personal computer or other office device to prepare correspondence, reports, and forms.
• Maintains a variety of files on claims and office activities.
• Composes letters and memos as required for clients or for information gathering or sharing.

Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
• Work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree