Veterans Claim Representative I/II - Extra-Help Veterans Claim Representative II

Merced County, CA; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County is seeking a Veterans Benefits Counselor to assist veterans and dependents in filing and pursuing disability, pension, and other benefits. The role involves interviewing, collecting affidavits, data entry, and coordinating with public and private agencies to support claims.

The position requires experience in public contact or counseling, and knowledge of VA hearings and appeal procedures, with a commitment to confidentiality and high integrity.

Qualifications

• Experience assisting veterans and processing claims.
• Experience with public contact or counseling.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Familiarity with VA hearings and appeal procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assists veterans and dependents in initiating and processing disability, pensions, and other benefits.
• Procures affidavits and information to support claims.
• Enters data into computer systems to establish a claimant database.
• Counsels veterans by coordinating with public and private agencies.
• Provides instruction and guidance to staff and reviews their work for accuracy.
• Prepares and files claims and presents appeals as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Interviewing techniques

Data analysis

Confidentiality

Counseling skills

Education

Two years of college education

Experience substitution allowed

Job description

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists veterans and their dependents in the initiation, development, and processing of claims for disability compensation, pensions, insurance benefits, vocational rehabilitation, hospitalization, medical care, loan guarantee benefits, and civil service benefits.
  
• Procures necessary information and affidavits to support claims.
  
• Enters veteran/claimant data into computer system to establish a data base for the system.
  
• Works with public and private community agencies in counseling veterans.
  
• Provides instruction, guidance and technical advice to other employees and reviews their work for adequacy and accuracy.
  
• Prepares and files claims and presents appeals as necessary and prepares required reports.

Level I Experience:

One (1) year of responsible experience in work involving public contact, interviewing or counseling or closely related field.

Level I Education:

Equivalent to the completion of two (2) years of college. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required two (2) years of college on a year-for-year basis.

Level II Experience:

Two (2) years of responsible experience in work involving public contact, interviewing or counseling or closely related field.

Level II Education:

Equivalent to the completion of two (2) years of college. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required two (2) years of college on a year-for-year basis.

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment, including repetitive hand and arm motions.
  
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  
• Occasionally operate a motor vehicle.
  
• Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
  
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
  
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
  
• Respond appropriately to situations.
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
  

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to veterans' rights, benefits and obligations.
  
• Interviewing and counseling techniques.
  
• Community resources generally available to those in need of aid.
  
• Supervisory techniques.
  
• Evidence as it pertains to Veterans Administration hearings and appeal procedures.
  

Ability to:

• Interpret requirements for evidence as it pertains to Veterans requirements for evidence as it pertains to Veterans Administration hearings and appeal procedures.
  
• Interpret Federal and State laws governing veteran’s benefits.
  
• Analyze data and draw sound conclusions.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted.
  
• Communicate effective, both orally and in writing.
  
• Research, analyze, and develop documentation for claims.

Why Merced County? A message from the CEO