The purpose of the class is to assist in planning, coordinating and supervising the programs and activities of the County Veterans Affairs Office; to serve as a professional representative of veterans and their dependents to help ensure clients receive the full benefits they are entitled to as veterans; to maintain client records and prepare related reports; and to perform related work as required. The class works within policy and organizational guidelines; assists with planning and implementing; and reports progress of activities through reports and conferences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists veterans and/or their dependents in obtaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, including disability, medical, pension, death and burial, education, vocational rehabilitation, home loan and life insurance benefits, general Social Security Administration benefits, and benefits of other federal, state and local assistance programs.

Interprets complex policies, procedures and laws to clients.

Oversees the office operations in the absence of the Director.

Gathers pertinent case information through interviews, research and the corroboration of data, documentation and regulations; verifies information received as appropriate.

Visits hospitals, nursing homes and residences of incapacitated veterans/claimants as needed to gather/verify information and discuss claims.

Prepares and maintains case files.

Determines client eligibility for benefits; refers clients to other agencies for assistance as appropriate.

Completes and/or assists clients in completing the required forms and compiling the necessary documentation for the application/claims process.

Assists clients through legal processes as required; assists in the preparation and submission of cases to the VA Regional Office and the Board of Veterans Appeals.

Provides on-going case management.

Coordinates department activities with those of other government agencies as appropriate.

Advises social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, state institutions, prisons, hospitals and other agencies on very difficult and unusual cases for the purpose of rendering assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Maintains knowledge of all current laws and regulations pertaining to veterans’ benefits.

Plans and gives presentations to veteran organizations and events throughout the County.

Receives and responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding department programs and services.

Attends professional meetings, conferences and workshops to maintain knowledge of current trends and regulations in veteran’s services.

Performs general administrative/clerical work as required including, but not limited to, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, ordering supplies, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.

Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Associate degree.
Requires at least four (4) years of related work experience.

Special Qualifications:
Must possess a valid state driver's license.
Must possess state Veterans Affairs Officer certification.
National Veteran Service Officer Certification preferred. Must be able to obtain within six months of employment.

U.S. military veteran preferred.