Veterans Services Secretary

Veterans Service Officer Assistant

This is responsible clerical and administrative work providing assistance to the Veterans Service Officer who in turn provides assistance to veterans and their dependents to ensure they receive needed services and benefits obtained as a result of service in the armed forces. The incumbent must remain current on all laws and regulations pertaining to veterans benefits and be capable of assisting veterans and their dependents with how to obtain needed services and benefits. Activities associated with the position include interviewing veterans and their dependents to determine needed services, assisting with the preparation of formal claims and/or appeals, maintaining files and related documentation and acting as an advocate for veterans when needed. The position requires good interpersonal, organizational and decision making skills, experience performing administrative and clerical functions, and considerable knowledge of available veterans services and benefits including eligibility criteria, required documentation, application and appeal procedures, etc. Job performance is evaluated by the Veterans Service Officer through review of the level of services provided to veterans and their dependents, knowledge of veterans benefits and services, interpersonal, organizational and decision making skills and the efficiency of office operations.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

• Assists with interviewing and counseling veterans and their dependents and providing information about veterans benefits and services.
• Assists clients in locating needed documentation to pursue formal claims for services.
• Ensures the proper functioning of the Veterans Service office by conducting routine administrative duties and tasks.
• Assists with filing claims and/or appeals on behalf of veterans and/or their dependants.
• Maintains files of claims and supporting documentation for each veteran served.
• Follows up on claims once submitted and serves as an advocate for clients when necessary.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of office supplies and Veterans Affairs forms and issues purchase orders for the department when necessary.
• Assists with annual budget preparation and submission and monitors the expenditure of funds to ensure compliance with budgetary goals and objectives.
• Remains current on veterans benefits and services, pertinent laws and regulations and changes in program procedures.
• Answers the phone, screens and directs calls to the Veterans Service Officer and makes appointments when necessary.
• Completes and submits Eligibility Verification Reports on an annual basis.
• Performs related duties as required.

Necessary Requirements of Work:

Graduation from an accredited four year high school; considerable experience working in an office setting; ability to interact successfully with veterans and their families; strong organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills; considerable knowledge of benefits and services available to veterans and their families; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of services and benefits available to veterans and their dependents through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Considerable knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38.
• Considerable knowledge of support services available to veterans and their families in the Middle Tennessee area.
• Considerable knowledge of the documentation necessary to submit claims for services and/or benefits.
• Considerable knowledge of office management and organization.
• Considerable knowledge of medical and hospitalization benefits available to veterans and their dependents.
• Knowledge of budget preparation methods and practices.
• Ability to effectively counsel and provide advice to veterans and their dependents on available services and benefits.
• Ability to remain current on all updates and changes to benefits available to veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to assist with the preparation and submission of the annual budget and monitor the expenditure of allocated funds.
• Ability to organize and maintain confidential files and documentation in an organized and accessible manner.
• Ability to interact successfully with service providers, attorneys, doctors, etc. and advocate for the needs of clients and their families.
• Ability to provide informative tours of the Memorial Building and effectively assist with the coordination of special events and activities.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and machinery including computer terminals, typewriters, FAX machines, copiers, calculators, etc.

Physical Requirements:

This is light work requiring minimal static, explosive, dynamic and trunk strength and requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Work requires considerable flexibility, mobility and speed of limb movement. Work requires moderate effort and stamina. Work requires both gross body equilibrium and coordination for balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling and walking. Work requires arm/ hand steadiness and manual and finger dexterity. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information in both quiet and noisy environments and determine the direction of sounds. Visual acuity is required for the inspection of small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, color differentiation, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions.