Veteran Benefits Specialist

The purpose of this position is to perform and assist with services and advocacy of Veterans benefits to beneficiaries, dependents and interested community members. The Veterans Benefit Specialist assumes such roles as claims worker, veterans advocate, and liaison. The position also performs administrative office duties. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).  This position is currently scheduled 30 hours per week.The following duties are expected of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned by the Veterans Service Officer.

• Advises veterans and beneficiaries regarding local, state, and federal benefits and advocates on behalf of veterans and beneficiaries to appropriate third parties of interest.
• Provides assistance in the preparation and submittal  of applications for entitlements from federal, state, and local agencies.
• Receives, processes, enters data; safeguards confidentiality of veterans’ personal information in accordance with HIPAA laws and county policy.
• Assists in providing information, official documents, recorded documents, vital records, and legal information to veterans, beneficiaries, and third parties in pursuit of securing benefits and programs for eligible recipients.
• Maintains a variety of records including financial reports, mileage records, bi-monthly wage/salary reports, and invoices and receipts.
• Assists in claim development; provides rational and effective arguments and assists in gathering supporting documentation, evidence and medical opinions.
• Maintains office inventory of supplies, flags, and flag holders and is responsible for ordering within budget constraints.
• Seeks out and researches grant opportunities, completes grant applications, and works with CVSO on submission, oversight, reporting, and administration of grant programs.
• Fulfills the clerical role for the Veterans Service Office.
• Participate in professional development and training groups such as the CVSO Association and other veteran's organizations. Complete annual CEU’s necessary to maintain accreditation.
• Coordinate veteran transportation assistance to VA medical centers.
• Provide liaison and coordination with other agencies as appropriate for the relief of veterans and their family.
• Counsel, advise and represent claimants on a variety of issues, including but not limited to financial and educational assistance, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse, shelter, vocational rehabilitation, disability evaluation and burial concerns.
• Assist in organizing and participating in veteran's activities in the county, i.e.: Memorial Day, July 4, Veterans Day or major functions of Veteran's service organizations.
• Promote awareness of veterans' issues and changes in veterans' benefits by all public media such as, television, radio, newspapers, and Internet.
• Serve Bayfield County Veterans with integrity and honor.

• Two-year business-related degree 
• Minimum of 2 years qualified office experience. Familiarity with computer and software applications as well as use of standard office equipment.
• Familiarity with medical/health related technology or insurances preferred.

• Honorably discharged Veteran IAW WI Statutes 45.80 preferred.
• Successfully achieve accreditation by the United States Federal Department of Veterans Affairs through at least one of many qualifying Veterans organizations within one year of employment.  Full accreditation with the Veterans Administration preferred.
• Experience working with the VetPro System preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements
1) Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while performing duties.
 2) Ability to drive.
 3) Light lifting of up to 30 pounds.
 4) Requires physical demands such as seeing and hearing to make judgments both in the office and out in the field when visiting clients. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to understand and interpret federal and state statutes and administrative codes relating to veterans.
• Knowledge of federal and state entitlements provided to veterans, spouses, and dependents, including eligibility criteria and application procedures.
• Knowledge of sources available to veterans and the federal, state, and county laws regulating their administration.
• Knowledge of veterans programs and issues impacting the needs of and services to veterans.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of modern office methods and practices including thorough knowledge of a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems.
• Effectively communicate both written and orally.
• Ability to function under stressful situations involving claimant’s death, disability, financial or personal loss, and unfeasible expectations.
• Ability to maintain complex records and analyze data and make recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and make decisions in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures – basic knowledge of County, State and Federal Veterans Benefit Programs.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, veterans’ organizations, other governmental units, and the general public.

Salary : $24 - $26