Veterans Services Specialist I
Veterans Services Specialist I
Salary:$3,422 - $4,158/Monthly
This position will gradually perform work with greater independence and develop a working knowledge of veterans' rights and benefits related to academic or vocational training, medical care and coverage, compensations, pensions, home loans, burials, disabilities, and corrections of military records.
The ideal candidate will be a veteran, and will possess:
- The ability to effectively communicate and advocate for clients experiencing a wide range of emotional states, including grief, anger, fear, resentment, and mistrust
- An understanding of the VA claims process, as well as the legal basis of an advocate's role in this process
- Case management and research skills, and working knowledge of the programs and benefits available to veterans
- The ability to use a computer and the internet for research and claims development
- Aptitude for conducting effective interviews to determine client needs, objectives, and goals
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include academic coursework in psychology, sociology, business administration, legal studies, or a related field; and one year experience determining eligibility for social service programs, including research and analysis of pertinent laws, regulations, and program requirements.
Special Requirement:The United States Department of Veterans' Affairs (USDVA) accreditation through the California Department of Veterans' Affairs (CDVA) pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 14.629 is required to be earned within the first twelve months of employment in this classification. Once earned, accreditation must be maintained as a condition of employment in this classification.
License:Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: the methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview; veterans' benefits; the functions, programs, and services of the VA, veterans' groups, and community resources; problem solving techniques; techniques and standards of case administration; mathematical computations; medical terminology; modern office methods and procedures; database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.
Ability to: read, understand, gather, record, retain, and learn to interpret the large volumes of diverse information required to advise clients on eligibility for a variety of veterans' benefits; communicate both in writing and orally with persons from varied socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds; learn to conduct and conduct effective investigative interviews; exercise sound judgment within general policy and regulatory guidelines; set work priorities and effectively utilize time to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks; establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders; learn to work independently and coordinate the compilation of information and evidence required to establish veterans' benefit eligibility; use and understand common database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications; conduct internet searches; prepare clear and comprehensive reports and records; establish and maintain systematic records.