Veterans Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

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.

• 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.

• 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 responsibility.
• Ability to effectively and fairly work with veterans, dependents and
• Ability to function independently.
• Ability to interpret and explain applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability…