VA Benefits Specialist bei BERKELEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, SC

About the Department

This position typically provides performance of in depth interviews with veterans and their family members to determine and apply for any benefits they may be entitled; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens. 
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Develops client relationships in order to perform in-depth personal interviews with veterans and their dependents. 
• Answers complex questions, applying VA laws and regulations. 
• Assists veterans and their dependents in filing for applicable benefits. 
• Assists veterans in ordering military records, medical records, etc. via the internet. 
• Interact with local, state and federal agencies in assisting veterans and their dependents. 
• Maintains VA certification training by attending seminars out of town, which involve overnight travel a minimum of twice yearly, three to five days at a time. 
• Assists military retirees with pay related issues related to current law. 
• Exercises extreme confidentially with PII including DD-214’s, medical records and service records. 
• Prepares affidavits of documents and maintains document files and case correspondence.
• Manages social media accounts for the office
• Collects information about individuals or clients using interviews, case histories, observational techniques and other assessment methods.
• Interviews individuals and researches public databases in order to obtain information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Duties

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Five (5) years of related administrative experience;

• Must be able to pass a federal Tier 1 (NACI) background check to obtain/maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Must obtain VA Certification and TRIP training within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record.
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview. 
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

• Knowledge of medical terminology highly recommended.
• Knowledge of Veterans Affairs laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of using personal computers including Word, Excel and Internet research techniques.
• Skill in the operation of all basic office equipment.
• Skill in customer service. 
• Skill in excellent communication, both oral and written.
• Skill in clerical duties including filing, customer service, math, data entry and correct grammar usage.
• Ability to be professional, dependable have excellent organizational skills and maintain confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive information and documents.
• Ability to determine individual benefits.
• Knowledgeable in the management of social media accounts.
• Ability to use computers.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Qualifications

The work is regularly performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.