|
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
|
|
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
|
|
Position Number: 50293908 |
Description Activated On: 7/25/2023 10:30:34 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This position is located at the Pittsburgh Veterans Services Office. The position has responsibility for the provision of benefits and services to Pennsylvania veterans by managing and maintaining a caseload of claims for veterans’ benefits, services and resources from the initial claims application through to the final determination of benefits. |
|
Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Provide advice, assistance and guidance to veterans and their beneficiaries through outreach, intake, and counseling services for all available benefits, services and programs for which they may be eligible in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C., Title 51 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and all other applicable county, state or federal law. Navigate and support veterans throughout all stages of benefit claims processes. Prepare applications for benefits that meet the statutory requirements of law for the type of benefit concerned. Provide representation and quality advocacy in the preparation, presentation, and securing of claims for benefits. Assist veterans in the claims development process to obtain evidence required to support a successful claim for veterans’ benefits. Conduct claimant interviews to develop claims and assist claimants with submitting fully developed claims for benefits. Correspond with medical professionals to obtain medical evidence to support claims for benefits. Provide required forms to medical professionals to aid in the successful claim for benefits, including HIPAA waivers. Review all decisions made by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) to ensure the veteran and/or beneficiary achieved maximum benefit attainment under current law, IAW Title 38 U.S.C. Review claims denial decisions rendered by the USDVA prior to the appeals process. Prepare appeal cases for claimants resulting from unfavorable decisions by the USDVA. Prepare claimants for the appeal hearing by reviewing evidence relevant to the case and appeals policy and procedures. Represent claimants to the Board of Veterans Appeals. Support regional Veterans Court by attending court sessions to provide advocacy to Veterans whom are involved in the legal system and to provide expert advice to the judge and court administrators regarding benefit and service eligibility for veteran defendants. Provide assistance to veterans in seeking employment and re-employment, obtaining entrepreneurial and business opportunities, access to financial resources, networking and education. Prepare and submit applications for state-mandated financial assistance programs under IAW Title 51, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute and rules/regulations established by the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission. Serve as the state service organization representative to receive, review, and verify all claims for accuracy and evidence requirements submitted by County Veteran Service Officers in the Pittsburgh USDVA Regional Office catchment area. Assist in the dissemination of information to County Directors of Veteran Affairs, veterans service organizations and non-profit veterans groups by mail, telephone, e-mail and by attending various meetings. Establish contact with veterans’ organizations, USDVA, county, state, and federal agencies and other private and public agencies to facilitate the rendering of services to veterans and their dependents. Participate in work groups with various organizations to establish guidelines for new and innovative veterans’ services and programs. Serve as an associate member of the Pennsylvania State and National Associations of County Veteran Service Officer professional organizations. Attend meetings of the above mentioned organizations to participate in creating useful and effective policies and procedures to aid the organizations to better serve their veteran clientele. Participate in and lead training sessions with fellow and county veterans service officers to better prepare and hone the skills of both new and seasoned service officers. Initiate and/or participate in outreach programs and events to ensure all Pennsylvania veterans and their beneficiaries are aware of and have access to veterans’ benefits, services, programs and resources. Conduct scheduling and planning for mobile outreach services conducted with a mobile office throughout the Commonwealth in coordination with County Directors of Veterans Affairs, veterans organizations, non-profit veterans groups, educators and legislators to meet with veterans and conduct outreach events throughout Pennsylvania to maximize access and exposure, especially in underserved areas. Recommend and participate in the promotion and marketing of veterans’ benefits and services through a wide array of methods, including mass and social media, public information programs, roundtables, and other outreach initiatives. Prepare senior staff members for media outreach events by researching discussion points and aiding in practice sessions to prepare for live call in sessions on radio and television. Participate in the establishment of contacts with Pennsylvania’s returning service members from operational theatres and active duty service through the world. Recommend and participate in reintegration efforts to provide support and provision of services to veterans transitioning back into civilian life, including Transition Assistance Programs. Speak before community groups and organizations to explain veterans programs and benefits and reach out to all veteran organizations and veterans through traditional public relations, community involvement, and by initiation and implementation of activities that encourage them to access benefits, services and resources for which they may be eligible. Prepare replies to inquires received from members of state legislature, members of congress, veteran organization officials, Department Headquarters or county, state and federal officials concerning their veteran constituents. Provide input and advice to aid in the development of legislation for new programs and initiatives being developed by all levels of government and both public and private veteran’s organizations. Provide informational briefings on proposed legislation to help accomplish legislative goals. Performs work in accordance with the DMVA general safety rules and safety rules for this position. Immediately reports all workplace injuries or incidents to the supervisor; and/or immediately corrects any safety hazards in the work area or reports same to supervisor. Perform other duties as required. POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT: Valid accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a veterans service officer or eligibility for accreditation within one year from date of employment. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Determines eligibility for benefits based upon Federal Veterans Laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed with considerable independence and may be subject to review upon completion. Determines best arguments, approaches and information to present at appeal hearings. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class C Driver's License 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
||||||||||||||||||||
Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
|