Veterans Specialist

Guilford County; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Guilford County is seeking a Veterans Services Assistant to help veterans and dependents apply for educational, medical, pension, GI life insurance, and burial benefits. You will explain programs, gather documentation, and assist with form completion, sometimes visiting hospitals for non-ambulatory clients.

The role requires maintaining case files, coordinating with state and federal agencies, and producing required reports. Strong communication and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with veteran benefits programs and documentation.
• Ability to interview veterans and family members to obtain information.
• Knowledge of state and federal veteran benefit processes.
• Familiarity with office support practices and procedures.
• Strong typing and computer skills are required.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with veterans, veteran groups and government agencies.
• Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
• Ability to interpret and explain applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with persons from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in either written or verbal form.
• Ability to use a computer to access information via Veterans Administrations Benefits Delivery Network.
• Ability to operate a fax machine to send/receive documentation.
• Ability to use calculator to calculate income, rates for claims, and other statistical report information.
• Ability to type at the speed required of the position.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients to collect required information for claims and applications.
• Prepares applications and claims, collects additional documentation, and submits completed packages to VA through NC Division of Veterans Affairs.
• Weekly communication with the District Officer.
• Contacts SSA, Employment Security Office, Red Cross, VA Hospitals, and other agencies for case information.
• Answers phone inquiries and schedules appointments.
• Prepares income and medical expense reports to aid VA benefit continuation.
• Meets with clients off-site to assist with applications.
• Compiles and prepares a monthly claims activity report.
• Operates PC and other devices to prepare correspondence and forms.
• Maintains files on claims and office activities.
• Composes letters and memos as required for clients or for information gathering or sharing.

Skills

Veterans benefits knowledge

Interviews with clients

Communication skills

Public contact skills

Computer literacy

Problem solving

Independent work

Verbal & written communication

Data entry

Income/expense calculation

Education

Associates degree in Admin/Business

Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in related field

Tools

Fax machine

Personal computer

Calculator

Job description

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.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 to communicate effectively with persons from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in either written or verbal form.
• Ability to use a computer to access information via Veterans Administrations Benefits Delivery Network.
• Ability to operation a fax machine to send/receive documentation.
• Ability to use calculator to calculate income, rates for claims, and other statistical report information.
• Ability to type at the speed required of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates Degree in Administrative Office Technology, Business Administration, or related field, and two years of progressively responsible administrative or office management experience. Excellent computer experience and typing skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Accreditation with North Carolina Division of Military and Veterans Affairs.
• Accreditation as a Veterans Service Officer and/or Veterans Service Representative.
• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in Veterans services, human services or related managerial or administrative work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Transcript Required

Copy of transcripts must be submitted with online application. Official college transcripts required at time of hire. Please send transcripts to:

Guilford County/HR c/o
Albert Parks III, 201 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 or attach a copy to your online application.

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, or use of a PCs or other VDTs to accomplish work objectives. No specific physical demands required. Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present

Working Conditions

1.Environment: Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness. Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.
2.Hazards: Work presents no significant hazards to employees

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.