Veterans Affairs Field Services Rep

Job Posting Title

Veterans Affairs Field Services Rep I

650 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

ODVA - Claims & Benefits

Regular

Full time

Annual Salary: $47,408.00

3001 W. Blue Starr Drive
Claremore, OK 74017

Positions in this job family coordinate benefits and other related services for eligible veterans and their dependents, acting as an advocate to maximize services and benefits. They serve as liaison to federal and state agencies in matters related to veterans services and benefits.

• Interview veterans and families to assess needs and eligibility for state and federal benefits in medical treatment, disability compensation, insurance, pension, debt management, education, training, and rehabilitation.
• Perform case management duties: assessment, research, compiling reports, filing claims, formulating appeals, obtaining benefits; interpret laws, rules, regulations and procedures and provide assistance in completing required forms; counsel clients on resource utilization, identify deficiencies, develop strategies for maximum benefits, advise on required documentation, make referrals to other agencies.
• Review rating board decisions to ensure compliance with Title 38 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations; determine if an appeal is warranted; initiate the appeal process by preparing a written brief; obtain client’s Power of Attorney as necessary.
• Prepare financial statements and interpret the correlation of Social Security, military retirement, and other income on USDVA pension and compensation; assist clients in dealing with USDVA Debt Management Agency; prepare financial reports to support requests for waiver, postponement, compromise offers, or repayment plans for benefit over payments.
• Review client USDVA files, evaluate evidence including service and post-service medical records; research laws, regulations, policies and case law from USDVA Board of Veterans Appeals and US Court of Veterans Appeals; prepare for hearings; write appellant briefs.
• Act as claimant’s legal representative during informal hearings before USDVA decision review officers, formal hearings before USDVA administrative hearing officers and Board of Veterans Appeals judges; present oral arguments; obtain sworn testimony during formal hearings.
• Plan, develop, and conduct curriculum, seminars, and certification training for veteran service organization officers, entry-level VA Field Representatives, and others as requested.
• Develop, maintain, and coordinate comprehensive veterans outreach and public information programs; serve as agency liaison and guest speaker at civic functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position and agency operations.

This is the basic level of this job family, focusing on entry-level tasks building skills in claim processing and service counseling under close supervision. Limited responsibility may be assigned for preparation of written briefs or representation before decision review officers and judges.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of military or veterans’ program experience for each year of required education.

• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and programs pertaining to veterans benefits and programs, Social Security, Workers Compensation, and related policies.
• Knowledge of benefit counseling and interviewing techniques; familiarity with common adjustment problems of veterans.
• Proficiency in English language.
• Ability to research laws and precedents, communicate effectively orally and in writing, follow instructions, use software and agency‑specific computer programs, establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Must be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, discharged under honorable conditions, and eligible for veteran’s placement under Civil Service rules.
• Level I applicants must obtain accreditation by a veterans’ service organization certified by USDVA within six months of employment.
• Level II, III, IV applicants must possess USDVA TRIP certification and accreditation by a certified veterans’ service organization.
• Must be willing and able to fulfill job‑related travel and be willing to relocate to a central area within assigned territory.
• Some positions may be classified as safety sensitive under 63 O.S. § 427.8.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.