General Summary Under the supervision of the Community Development Director, this position will coordinate and assist in the administration of the County's Veteran Services Office. Conducts interviews, counsels and assists veterans and/or their dependents in obtaining assistance to which they are entitled from the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration. Reviews medical statements regarding physical and mental diseases and disabilities that are presented for initial claims and/or appeal action to the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration on behalf of veterans and/or their dependents. Develops and presents informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions to increase awareness of veterans benefits and programs and responds to veterans, dependents, legislators, and veterans service organizations regarding benefit questions. Essential Functions
- Provides veterans' assistance through federally available resources, emergency relief, burial benefits, and most importantly advocacy.
- Conducts interviews with veterans and dependents' reviews background data and current medical and financial information to determine eligibility for Federal and State veterans' benefits.
- Develops claims packages for veterans and dependents seeking disability, education, medical, and related benefits; completes claim forms and ensures proper certification of related documentation based upon the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) laws and regulations and consults with technical experts to determine specifics related to the eligibility standards and application requirements for Federal and State veteran benefits.
- Gathers evidence, builds cases and ultimately presents claims (noted above) for determination or adjudication. Including interpreting medical and related information and counseling with doctors and other medical professionals.
- Prepares, maintains and monitors beneficiaries claim file to ensure continual receipt of VA benefits; prepares annual verification of VA pension eligibility; reports unusual medical expenses and other unusual expenditures.
- Serves as a medium between veterans and/or eligible family members and the federal benefits they may be entitled to. Therefore, must continually research changes and modifications to federal laws relative to veterans benefits found in part 38 of the United States Code and precedent setting decisions rendered by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims which in almost all cases have a direct bearing on VA policy and procedures.
- Informs veterans and family members on non-veteran's benefits for which they may be eligible such as Social Security, welfare and vocational rehabilitation.
- Performs community outreach (verbal and written) through all types of media outlets.
- Coordinates transportation of veterans to VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
- Prepares for supervisor review and authorization annual budgets and monthly reports. Other Functions
- May provide written and oral summaries of programs and projects to local and state officials and others. May host or facilitate community and advisory committee meetings. This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Social Work Counseling or related area of social services required. VA training certification desirable.
One to two years of related experience in an office administrative capacity including case management and working with the public. Reasonable writing and communications skills with the ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and service organization representatives. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and projects. Ability to communicate with distressed individuals and to make decisions under those circumstances.
Must be proficient in MS Office. Valid Michigan Driver's License and a good driving record. Veteran of the U.S. Armed forces desired but not required.
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Physical Requirements:
[This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements]:
· Ability to enter, create, retrieve and edit data and information from computers and computerized equipment. · Ability to access, maintain and create departmental files.
Working Conditions:
· Works in office conditions with other office staff and public contacts with travel to meetings and training classes inside and out of the County.
Benefits
This position is benefited and is subject to the Personnel Policy.
Eaton County offers a variety of benefits that will support our employees both during their career and after. View the Benefit Page for more information.
The current group contract can be viewed Here.