Lead Veteran Service Officer - 4 Day Work Week!

Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Veteran Service Officer

Status: Non-Exempt, Full time

Job Summary:

The Lead Veteran Service Officer (Lead VSO) is responsible for training and supporting Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) while managing the accurate and timely filing of veteran benefits claims. The Lead VSO will work closely with site leadership to ensure high-quality services for veterans and their families, ensuring the team's compliance with all relevant policies and regulations. This role requires extensive knowledge of veterans' resources and benefits, as well as excellent communication and training skills to effectively guide and support other VSO staff.

Job Duties:

• Train and mentor VSO staff on veterans' benefit claims processes and best practices.
• Develop and update training materials to ensure staff compliance with changes in veterans' benefits laws.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to VSO staff to maintain high standards of service and accuracy.
• Plan, coordinate and administer the activities and programs of the County Veterans’ Services office. 
• Coordinate veterans’ programs with other Federal, State, and County programs, outside agencies, and public and private organizations.
• Manage and participate in public information and outreach activities to educate and offer services to veterans; represent the program and make presentations to various community groups.
• Assist veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO), by initiating or reopening claims.
• Complete initial application, or reopen exiting claims, for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability).
• Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s).
• Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veteran’s military colleagues, family members, or other sources.
• File application for eligible veterans for education under the GI Bill, or for vocational rehabilitation.
• Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
• Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
• Assist a veteran or the eligible survivor of a veteran in obtaining Veterans Administration home loan benefits.
• Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
• Enter all claims information in appropriate electronic records management applications
• Keep in contact with VA Officials and the veteran’ Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims.
• Assist veterans/dependents in appealing denied claims to the local VA Regional Office (VARO), the local Decision Review Officer, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.
• Assist veterans in obtaining medical, financial, or other information necessary for the appeal.
• Assist veterans in preparation for personal hearings at the VARO, to include accompanying them to the hearing, if necessary.
• Assist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS).
• Do all required paperwork, and obtain all necessary records for the VAMC’s or CBOC’s to accept the veteran for care as an inpatient or outpatient.
• Work with the VAMCs or CBOCs to schedule necessary appointments for the veteran.
• Assist veteran in obtaining transportation the VAMCs or CBOCs.
• Work with VA professional in obtaining public health services, home health care, or placement in local nursing homes or the state Veterans homes.
• Assist veterans in applying for available state benefits from the state Department of Veterans Affairs, by initiating or reopening claims.
• Complete initial application, or reopen existing claims, for the following state benefits for veterans and their dependents:
• Subsistence program for disabled veterans or surviving dependents. 
• Dental program for veterans and dependents.
• Optical program for veterans and dependents.
• War Orphans Education program for the eligible surviving dependents of certain deceased veterans.

• Appeal denied claims when appropriate.
• Ensure that the veterans and their dependents in the service area are aware of these benefits.
• Assist military retirees and their dependents or survivors in obtaining their benefi