As a Benefit Program Specialist you will become an accredited Veteran Service Officer with the Missouri Veterans Commission. This is a professional position aiding Veterans, military members and/or their dependents with obtaining Federal and State Veterans benefits. You will need exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to analyze and trouble shoot issues as they arise.

Benefits Include:

• 3 weeks paid annual leave/year
• 3 weeks paid sick leave/year

• 13 paid holidays/year
• Retirement Plan
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• 6 weeks paid leave for birth or adoption

• For a full list of benefits click HERE

Annual Salary Range: $31,200.00 - $49,536.00

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive familiarity with a large body of federal laws regarding Veterans benefits, as well as all relevant Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Federal and State military service-related legislation
• Considerable knowledge of the application and appeal processes for Compensation, Dependents Indemnity Compensation, Disability and Live/Death Pension, Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Burial, VA Insurance, Medical Treatment and other Federal benefits
• Working knowledge and ability to apply the basic principles and methods of interviewing, communicating and interacting with members of the general public having a diverse variety of backgrounds
• Working knowledge of computer hardware and software including data entry and word processing
• Considerable knowledge of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Chapter 16 and 38 Code of Federal Regulations, parts 0-17 and parts 18 to end
• Understanding of the claims process throughout the Veterans Benefits, Health and Cemetery Administrations
• Ability to perform community outreach activities such as public speaking, conducting problem solving sessions, recruiting and identifying target population
• Ability to assist Veterans and their dependents in determining benefits based on law, policy and regulation
• Ability to analyze and interpret military, social and medical records in order to establish
• Entitlements to service related benefits
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with departmental officials, legislators, staff associates, the general public and others
• Ability to obtain and maintain Federal VA Accreditation
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 0-2 years of experience. Substitutions may be allowed
• Possess an Honorable Discharge from the military forces of the United States

Job Description Summary:

• Conduct interviews with Veterans and their dependents. Review background data, current medical and financial information to determine eligibility for Federal, State and Local/Private Veterans benefits
• Evaluate information to determine the Veteran’s potential eligibility for other related programs
• Develop claims packages for Veterans and their dependents seeking disability, education, healthcare, cemetery and related benefits; completes all claims forms and ensures proper certification of all necessary related documentation based upon the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) laws and regulations
• Maintain and monitor beneficiary claim files in order to ensure continual receipt of VA benefits; prepare annual verification of VA pension eligibility and report medical expenses, etc.
• Informs Veterans and family members of non-Veterans benefits for which they may be eligible such as Social Security, welfare and vocational rehabilitation
• Serves as program and benefits representative in a designated geographical area. Identifies the target population of Veterans and develops strategies to reach the population base through informational speeches, Veteran Benefits Fairs, and programs. Mans and maintains assigned satellite office bringing the same benefits expertise to more rural areas of the state
• Responds to benefit questions from Veterans, dependents, legislators and National Veteran Service Organizations
• Troubleshoot and problem solve selected cases as directed
• Attend community events that promote Missouri Veterans Commission Programs.

At the Missouri Veterans Commission we value diversity because we believe in the power of our differences. MVC strives for an inclusive work environment where equal and equitable opportunities exist for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, uniformed service member, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.