Veterans Benefit Specialist

Under the supervision of the Veterans Service Officer, the Veterans Benefit Specialist is to provide information and advice to veterans, their family members, survivors, and dependents regarding benefits and resources that are available. The Veterans Benefit Specialist will also help assist in accessing and obtaining benefits that are available to the Veterans.These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed.

•Acts as receptionist for the department by answering the telephone, handling walk-in customers, and fielding queries from the public. 
•Maintain knowledge of current benefits programs and requirements through training, seminars, and informational updates from providing agencies. 
•Inform clients regarding changes affecting entitlement to benefits. 
•Determine client State and Federal benefits eligibility based on service data, age, physical and financial conditions. 
•Advise clients of available benefits and assist in completing a variety of necessary benefit application forms.
•Advise clients regarding proper procedures for benefits which have been denied, changed, terminated, etc. 
•Assist clients with proper procedures such as filing appeals and notices of disagreements. 
•Intermediating on the veteran’s behalf with the VA to help solve issues with development and promulgation of claims. 
•Maintains office continuity in the absence of Service Officer. Periodically required to act in Service Officer’s stead during public events, at time as a formal speaker and presenter. 
•Schedules in-office and home visit appointments for Service Officer. 
•Record clients contact and activity. 
•Assists the Veterans Service Officer with Veterans Relief by issuing checks, vouchers, drafting cover letters, assist in preparing VSO annual operating budget, annual reports, assist with preparing grant applications, perform Notary Public duties.
•Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
1.    High School Diploma or equivalent certification but would prefer an associate's degree in business
2.    A combination of non-related business associate’s degree education and relevant office experience may be considered.
3.    Must have a valid driver's license. 

Competency Requirements:
•Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy. 
•Quality Customer Service and Community Relations - Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, contracted staff, residents, families, and other internal and external clientele). Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement.  Communicates/Interacts with members of the public and other key stakeholders in a way that elicits positive response and participation, which on occasion, may include interaction either one-on-one or with several stakeholders at one time to present information and/or represent the facility’s interests.  
•Accountability – Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; setting high standards of performance for self and others
•Self-Management - Organizes and plans for task accomplishment in a way that maximizes efficient performance; establishes and adjusts priorities to ensure timely completion of assigned work/fulfill responsibilities.
•Written and Verbal Communication Skills - Recognizes or uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
•Leveraging Technology - Demonstrates proficiency in using on-line tools and business applications, creating and maintaining accurate data and communications, including, but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and specialized web-based and/or related departmental systems 
•Flexibility - Open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.

Minimum Skills Assessment Requirements: Must be capable of operating a personal computer using standard word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail software.  General internet knowledge as it relates to web-based programs, and demonstrated knowledge and skills in operation of transcription and electronic file maintenance.  Skills and abilities may be evaluated through various standardized pre-employment assessment tools.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
Become accredited by USDVA within 1 year of start date
Complete 16 hours continuing education units annually
Must pass POV FBI background

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.  

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $25