Work in Iowa Jobs

Responsibilities:

• Interview, counsel, and assist with the filing of claims and obtaining benefits for veterans, their dependents or survivors, as well as retired and active duty military personnel and their families. This includes compensation, pension, voe. rehab, health care, Iowa Veterans Home, burial assistance, life insurance, education, home loan guaranties, emergency county assistances, etc.
• Develop working relationships with applicable federal, state and county departments and agencies.
• Perform research and investigation of the prior claim decisions made by the agency of primary responsibility and review the findings and decisions for possible appeal.
• Maintain a working relationship with veterans' organizations (at county, district, state and national levels), staff, volunteers, and news media; provide information regarding department (federal and state) programs and services, and perform field informational and claim visits to clients.

Essential skills/proficiencies:

• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of information
• Computer/keyboard, Microsoft outlook, word, excel, power point and internet experience
• Ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions regarding budget, day to day operations and assistance
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to individual and groups in formal and informal situations
• Ability to deal sympathetically and patiently, but positively and objectively, with veterans and their dependents.
• Above average layman's knowledge of the human anatomy and diseases, in order to properly handle disability claims.
• Working knowledge of the organization and functioning of state and federal governments, especially the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Has a thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, statutes, rules, policies and regulations in the veterans' benefit domain.
• Requires considerable public speaking ability to address veteran groups and the media concerning current rules, regulations, changes and trends in the veterans' benefit domain.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance. May require use of private vehicle for official business. Overnight travel is required for some training.
• Attain national accreditation with the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 35B.6.1.c within one (1) year of employment. Annual continuing education requirements established by NACVSO shall be satisfied or be cause for removal from office.
• Must be willing to obtain certification in the Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of Claims VA Program (TRIP) after attaining national accreditation with NACVSO to enable cross-accreditation with multiple service organizations to better serve the County veteran client population.