Veterans Service Caseworker

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Represents and assists veterans, surviving spouses and/or children in applying for federal and state benefits through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Provides information regarding benefits and procedures to apply for benefits. Analyzes the health needs of veterans and initiates actions to obtain all required medical care through case management. Work involves acting as a liaison with veterans’ groups and local, state, and national organizations; advising and assisting veterans regarding rights and benefits provided under federal, state, and local laws. Coordinates and provides transportation for veterans to medical appointments.

• Conducts interviews and provides guidance to veterans regarding the full array of benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as, non-VA benefits available through other veteran’s service organizations.
• Serves as an advocate and mentor to veteran participants, while providing information about possible benefit entitlements and the necessary procedures to apply and receive such benefits.
• Analyzes the health needs of veterans and initiates actions to obtain all required medical care through case management. Receives inquiries regarding Department of Veteran Affairs decisions, laws, and regulations in response to filing for veteran benefits and complaints; refers inquiries as appropriate.
• Tracks, assists, and coordinates various support programs for veterans to assess healthcare services, including transportation and social work.
• Clarifies the type of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of claims and aids veterans in obtaining such documentation. .
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the veteran benefit function; identifies veteran and/or dependent needs and assists in implementing filing procedures.
• Performs preparatory office tasks in the absence of the Veterans Service Officer and/or Assistant Veterans Service Officer II.
• Plans and participates in a wide variety of general clerical work including the maintenance of accurate and detailed logs and records, verification of information accuracy, researching discrepancies and submittal of federal and state documents; maintains office expenses.
• Prepares, types, and/or proofreads a variety of documents, including general correspondence, required reports, memoranda, and statistical records.• Reviews departmental policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, required reports, memoranda, and statistical records.
• Maintains calendars and schedules of activities, meetings, and various events and coordinates activities with other county departments, the public, and outside agencies.
• Provides information and forms to the public and assists in the completion, collection, and processing of claim forms; receives office visitors, telephone calls, faxes, and mail while answering routine inquires and screens calls or callers.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings, trainings, seminars, conferences, and hearings and stays abreast of new changes and programs for the veterans benefit function.
• Verifies and reviews materials for completeness ad conformance with established regulations and procedures.
• Compiles data for special projects and collects, assembles, and presents the data background materials.
• Maintains and monitors financial assistance program records.
• Provides written reports and documentation as described by policy and procedural requirements of the County and other governing bodies.
• Remains in contact with Veterans Service staff and medical providers as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or in public health, public affairs, public administration, or healthcare related field or a minimum of two year experience working with the Department of Veterans Affairs & affiliates or similar organization as substitution for education.
• Two (2) years clerical experience in public health, public affairs, public administration, or healthcare related field or working directly with the Veterans Health Administration or Veterans Benefits Administration. Military experience in administration can be substituted for the clerical and experience requirement. Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.
• Experience operating multi passenger vehicles preferred.

• Class B Texas driver’s license with a P (passenger) endorsement and insurable

Salary : $40,063 - $41,265