Senior Veteran Services Specialist

County And City Veteran Service Officer

This is responsible professional counseling work in the County's Veteran Services Office. An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for advising and assisting veterans, dependents, and other stakeholders in complex matters pertaining to their rights and benefits under various federal and state statutes and representing veterans before various officials. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Works effectively with clients which may include those who are terminally ill, dependents of those who are terminally ill, mentally ill including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, other mental health conditions, physically disabled, victims of military sexual trauma or other sensitive areas.

Interviews and assists veterans and/or dependents to determine type of eligibility for veterans' benefits which include but are not limited to:
Service-Connected Disability Claims, Non-Service Connected Pension Claims, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Burial and Memorial Benefits, Debt Waivers, Appeals, Medical Care, Educational Benefits, Life Insurance, Home Loan Guaranty, and Correction of Military Records.

Answers inquiries regarding the interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations regarding veterans' benefits and entitlements. Represents Veteran/clients with claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Claimant's Representative. Assists Veteran/clients in locating, researching, securing and developing necessary paperwork and supporting documentation for filing of fully developed and traditional VA claims and prepares forms for the adjudication process.

Maintains confidential records in accordance with all requirements of the data privacy laws and HIPAA. Processes military retiree claims involving multiple disabilities incurred during 20 or more years of service. Acts as an advocate for veterans, their dependents, and other stakeholders. Maintains contact with local and State Service Officials to ensure that all claims filed with the Veterans' Administration are properly adjudicated.

Provides County Veteran Services Officer coverage in the absence of the Veteran Services Director. Communicates via telephone, email and face-to face concerning all VA benefits for veterans and/or dependents. Consults with the Veteran Services Director in reviewing correspondence regarding claims to ensure that veterans obtain proper evaluation of their disabilities or basic entitlements to VA benefits. Researches military and veteran service records to build effective VA claims linking injuries, diseases, exposures, secondary illnesses and injuries etc.

to active duty service and compiles evidence including military service records, military medical records, VA medical records, presumptive illnesses and sicknesses using Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations.

Prepares and tracks time sensitive complex appeals that are sent to the VA Regional Office, Board of Veterans Appeals then possibly to the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals. Refers and coordinates assistance for Veterans in need of medical and/or behavioral care and services to the Veterans' Administration Medical Center or community-based resources. Prepares complex and routine appeals for discharge review by the military Armed Forces Review Board.

Coordinates and conducts homebound, nursing home and hospitalized veterans visits to assist with claims and resources to address Veteran/client needs. Drives a County and/or personal vehicle regularly to perform job duties. Maintains resource files regarding medical conditions, technical bulletins, legal issues and other veteran related concerns. Documents all contacts with and services provided on behalf of Veterans assigned to caseload.

Regularly reviews federal and state laws, rules and regulations on VA benefits and appeals processing. Assists and supports the Veteran Services Director in planning, coordinating, and attending Alachua County sponsored events and Veteran related community events. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism…