Veterans Benefit Specialist

Job Overview

Status:
Full Time, Non-Exempt Starting Wage Range: $26.32/hr.

- $28.97/hr department/Shift: Veterans Services Position Open Until Filled.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - available for use after 30 days of employment
• 10 observed paid holidays
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - with employer contributions - HRA
• Life insurance, Long-term disability, Short-term disability and Flex spending
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - an exceptional pension plan with employer match (upon vesting) and lifetime retirement payment.
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Interprets benefit eligibility requirements for available Veterans' benefits.
• Educates Veterans; performs research and background checks to determine benefit eligibility.
• Interviews, counsels, and provides information for returning service members, recently separated Veterans, and all other eras of Veterans regarding their eligibility for benefits and other supportive services; retrieves service-related documents.
• Interviews, assesses, and counsels regarding loan programs; secures, prepares and coordinates documentation to fulfill federal and state requirements for loan programs.
• Initializes VA claims and benefits application process on behalf of Veterans ensuring deadlines are met and supporting documentation and verifications are provided.
• Researches and gathers supporting evidence for various claims on behalf of claimants as requested.
• Provides representation for clients regarding benefit reductions, denials and appeals. Advocates for clients for a successful outcome for claim.
• Interviews Veterans' family members to determine eligibility for death/burial benefits/services; assists in applications for widow(er) pension, life insurance, and death and/or burial benefits.
• Identifies concerns, problems, and system level issues of Veterans and disabled Veterans; presents information to appropriate service entities.
• Provides public education and/or training on issues affecting the rights, benefits, or entitlements of Veterans and Veterans with disabilities.
• Complies with federal and state reporting requirements, maintains detailed records and generates reports.
• Participates in outreach efforts to promote Veteran benefits including placement of informational materials for the media, organizations, and Veterans. Assists in preparation community information.
• Assists in the preparation of state grant applications for development of the department's annual budget.
• Educates staff on benefit programs available, necessary procedures and eligibility criteria. Trains and reviews related staff work.
• Arranges for transportation to the VA Medical Center for Veterans.
• Provides first line customer service to internal and external customers; greets, receives and screens visitors and customers; addresses and resolves customer questions as able and refers complex inquiries, requests, or complaints to appropriate staff.
• Sorts, copies, and distributes a variety of correspondence, deliveries, and mail; opens, logs, and routes office mail; retrieves, delivers, and sends faxes.
• Composes routine correspondence; proofreads and edits documents; enters, scans, updates, and maintains information in spreadsheets, databases, and reports.
• Maintains electronic and paper filing and record systems to provide easy access to records and information; provides retention of records as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to develop and disseminate information to the public concerning the Veteran's Service office, its activities, and the services and programs available to Veterans.
• Knowledge of the laws relating to the benefits available to veterans under a wide variety of federal, state and local Veteran's benefit programs.
• Ability to read, analyze, research and interpret complex provisions and laws for individual case use.
• Skill to counsel and assist veterans and their families regarding benefits and services.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to read and accurately interpret statutory language regarding administrative details of the legal process.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence;
  Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of…