Veterans Benefit Specialist

The Veterans Services Office is currently advertising for a Veterans Benefit Specialist to join their team.

This position will remain open until filled.  Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.

The purpose of this position is to advise and assist U.S. military service members, Veterans, and their families in securing eligible benefits and entitlements. The work is performed under the direction of the CVSOTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
 
Must achieve and maintain accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs to present claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs as a representative of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and National Service Organizations.
 
Provides information to Veterans and/or their surviving dependent(s) regarding benefits, services and records for state and federal programs.
 
Conducts interviews with Veterans and/or their surviving dependent(s) to ascertain their needs, and advise which benefits they are eligible to receive.
 
Prepares benefits applications for Veterans and/or their surviving dependent(s) on appropriate VA forms.
 
Conducts thorough research of military occupations, military engagements, medical conditions, nuclear, chemical and biological agents and their effect on the human body. This research is used as material evidence in support of disability claims.
 
Completes and files benefits claims for Veterans and/or their surviving dependents(s).
 
Provides front-line, non-clinical counseling to Veterans in distress to keep them calm and assist them in obtaining professional counseling services.
 
Requests veteran records from the National Personnel Records Center for use in claims processing.
 
Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and concerns from clients and agencies. Researches and resolves problems regarding applications and information.
 
Compiles and analyzes information and data. Prepares statistical and narrative reports from compiled information.
 
Schedules and coordinates drivers and passengers for the Veterans transportation program. Tracks mileage and expenses, completes vouchers to reimburse the drivers, tracks and reports on all aspects of the program.
 
Assists the CVSO with compiling data for the WDVA transportation grant.
 
Interviews individuals in financial need and provides the CVSO with the information for possible relief through funds disbursement from the Veterans Service Commission.
 
Maintains office records system. Sorts and files documents. Initiates and organizes client files.
 
Schedules appointments with Veterans and/or their dependents.
 
Assists funeral directors with coordinating Veterans burials, creates and maintains cemetery records.
 
Completes necessary paperwork to have a Veteran’s military discharge recorded with the county Register of Deeds.
 
Types reports, forms, correspondence and other materials from written and oral instruction. Drafts correspondence, reports, etc.
 
Orders office supplies.
 
Dispenses medical equipment from loan supply and maintains related records.
 
Distributes flags to Veteran’s organizations.
 Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. 

Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information.  Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
 
Ability to persuade, convince, and/or train others, including the ability to act in a lead worker capacity.  Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
 
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as medical records, a variety of VA forms, court records, billing invoices, vouchers, invoices, budgets, purchase orders, grant applications,   insurance documents, loan documents, tax returns, department reports, computer software operating manuals, statutes, Veteran’s organization manuals, directories, maps, procedures, guidelines, newspaper copy and non-routine correspondence.
 
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with Veterans, Veterans’ families, medical care providers, legislators, VA personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, various county agency personnel, care facility personnel, news media representatives, Social Security personnel, Veterans organizations, financial institution personnel, vendor representatives, County Board members, educators, AODA counselors,  military personnel and the general public.
 
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
 
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
 
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Associate’s degree, and three years benefit administration experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Computer experience required. Veteran, or knowledge of the various benefits, services, and federal and state laws/regulations governing Veteran’s benefits is preferred. Customer Service experience preferred. Upon completion of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Accreditation Training, applicants must successfully complete the required federal background check, generally within six months, to obtain system access necessary to assist veterans, spouses, and dependents with benefits.