STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER

STATE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER - 50000442

The selected candidate will be assigned to the Bureau of Field Services at the James A. Haley VAMC in Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County). This position provides support to multiple satellite locations, including the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Nursing Home, Lakeland VA Outpatient Clinic (VAOPC), New Port Richey VAOPC, Hidden River Primary Care Annex, and other facilities within the JAHVAMC service area. The assigned coverage area includes Citrus, Hillsborough, Hernando, Polk, and Pasco counties.

The primary responsibility of the incumbents in the positions allocated to this class is to perform administrative and professional duties required to work within the medical clinic and vet center as needed, interviewing veterans and family members, preparing and submitting claims for benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This task will be accomplished using established policies and procedures to ensure that all phases of assigned duties are covered. Advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits and support. Meet, interview, counsel, using VA Data systems and obtain information in order to prepare and submit claims for any / all federal and state benefits that each client may be entitled to receive. Assist in preparing and perfecting "appeals", provide representation at fee basis, hardship eligibility hearings, request for waivers of federal entitlements, military discharge review hearings or Regional Office VA hearings as required. Review and interpret VA laws, rules and regulations affecting veteran's entitlements in applying for federal and state veterans' benefits. Respond to telephonic or written inquiries from citizens, veterans, dependents, Post, Chapter, County, and State Veterans Service officers with accurate and complete information. Provide accurate and current information relative to problems with the administration of benefits with the local agency of jurisdiction, process daily incoming mail and correspondence. Complete forms and documents utilizing the Department's Systems. This includes entering all clients' information into the computer database. If working in a medical center or hospital, visit each new admission to the medical center at the request of the veteran or health care provider within 48 hours of the request. Assist all accredited organizations, state, county or others in obtaining medical information necessary to support claims for benefits. Maintain rapport and liaison with VA outpatient staff regarding case development and treatment to support claims processing and advocacy issues. Confer with clinic, service center and medical center staff as required. Safeguard and protect all private medical information and claim information in accordance with appropriate regulations and statutes. Represent the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs by providing briefings and information on State and Federal veterans benefits at local events, military bases, medical center meetings, and community fairs and other events as determined by your supervisor and the department. Represent FDVA on committees, advisory boards and consumer service programs established at VA medical centers and satellite outpatient facilities. Deploy and provide assistance during State emergencies such as providing assistance at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)/ Multiple Agency Resource Center (MARC) throughout the state after natural disasters. Assist in preparing forms, obtaining signatures, financial data, and personal information for veterans requesting admission to State Veterans Nursing Homes. When necessary, visit and provide assistance to the home in completing applications, verifying eligibility and financial data and assisting family members in obtaining state and federal veterans' benefits. Visit and provide on-site assistance, claims preparation and submission of claims to all Florida National Guard units in the geographical area. Maintain contact with all guard and reserve units and active military installations in the Florida geographical area. Perform other related duties to include, but not limited to, attendance at conferences, seminars, schools of instruction and upon request serve as an instructor, or speaker at public events. Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.