CASUALTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST (T32)

Job Title

The primary purpose of this position is to provide administrative support to states that occur casualties while soldiers are in a duty and non duty status. The incumbent of this position provides support to Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Center (CMAOC), Soldiers, Commanders, Federal agencies, Casualty Notification/Assistance Officers, Military Funeral Honors teams, funeral/cemetery directors, NOK, relatives, and other interested parties. This is considered a high visibility position, because of the variety of people and the mental state (bereaved) of persons being assisted. Inability to provide excellent service can and may result in concerns being escalated to General Officer, Congressional or higher levels. Receives notifications, initiates casualty reports, contacts unit responsible for notification, briefs key personnel, assists Funeral Details, and provides assistance to Next of Kin (NOK) and other interested parties. Responsible for 24/7 casualty management within the assigned state. Able to respond when state casualty reports are generated. Responsible for training casualty management alternates to take charge of operations when manager is not available.

Receives notification of all death's and/or casualties. Such as, the death or believed to be death, serious or very serious illness or injury, or special category; of a soldier in a duty and non-duty status. Notifies the chain of command of incident, paying particular attention to cases with special requirements (Medal of Honor recipients, General Officers etc.), ones of a sensitive nature or if the case appears to have above average media or political interest and any problems that are encountered. Upon receipt obtains available information and initiates casualty report. Makes telephonic contact with DA and reports information locally in accordance with procedures. Notifies the Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) for notification of NOK (next-of-kin). Assist the CAC to ensure casualty notification is completed in a timely manner. Assist the CAC with assignment of a trained Casualty Assistance Officer. Once notification responsibility has been determined incumbent makes contact with the Casualty Notification Officer. Briefs notification officer of any specials need or concerns in regards to the soldier. Performs follow-up to ensure NOK was properly notified according to procedures and informs unit and state leadership of notification.

Receives notification of death of veterans with requests for burial honors and forwards the request to appropriate state Military Funeral Honors personnel. Ensures identification of team by name, if possible and monitors performance through contact with team and funeral home. Identifies those cases where exceptions to normal policy may be necessary and notifies supervisor. Also, notifies supervisor if any problems are encountered or if the case appears to have above average media or political interest. Works hand in hand with the Casualty Assistance Officer and the Survivor Outreach Services personnel to ensure that all of the surviving family members needs are addressed and taken care of. Assist the CMAOC and CAC in preparing travel orders and assists with necessary arrangements for those directed to travel in conjunction with notification, assistance and honors. Assist the CMAOC and CAC with travel orders and makes arrangements for those NOK traveling due to serious illness/injury, death and funerals. Assists travelers with preparation of travel voucher as necessary. Prepares and submits reports for all casualties and documents all associated actions and inputs data in appropriate databases.

Briefs personnel on the most current procedures for casualty notification, NOK assistance and burial honors. Conducts Casualty Assistance/Notification training to all units within the state, and provides training classes as required. Provides refresher training to CNO/CAO's when tasked by the CAC to provide the notification and assistance after a casualty with the state. Assist the Summary Court Marshall Officer (SCMO) in resolving any issues that arise and support them in the performance of their duties. Composes correspondence that requires reference to regulations, related correspondence manuals, etc. Prepares a variety of materials, narrative correspondence, forms, reports, etc. Uses a computer system in the preparation of different reports necessary to complete actions on all cases. Maintains forms, files, and data base/share drive related to casualty tracking and assignment of notification and assistance officers. Performs other duties as assigned.