Job Information
Mecosta County Veterans Service Officer in Big Rapids, Michigan
General Summary
Under the direction of the Finance Director, coordinates the provision of assistance to veterans, their survivors and dependents in applying for various veterans benefits. Assesses, develops, and processes claims for benefits from the Veterans Administration and the State of Michigan for veterans and their families. Administers the Veterans Trust Fund, the Veterans Relief Fund and the County Burial Fund. Interviews and assists veterans and their dependents regarding benefits and other issues.
Essential Functions
- Plans, develops and implements policies and procedures to guide departmental operations and to assist veterans and their dependents obtain benefits they are entitled to under various local, state, and federal laws and programs.
- Regularly interviews and assists veterans, their survivors and dependents secure benefits under programs providing assistance to veterans such as: service-connected disability, disability pension, survivors pension, death benefits, education, medical/psychological benefits, to include advocating proper treatment.
Regularly assists in preparing claims and supporting documents, researches and assembles evidence and otherwise documents claims applications. Ensures veterans have discharge papers and other necessary documentation.
Reviews medical records in order to advise veterans whether disability will be recognized by the Veterans Administration and works with client to gather medical evidence to support claims. Explains the requirement of the Veterans Administration. Advises on the need for medical professionals to provide clear opinions to be used in claims for disability compensation and health benefits.
Reviews Veterans Administration's claim decisions in order to ensure that the veteran, surviving spouse, or dependent were awarded proper benefits as established by current legislation. Prepares and directs the preparation of appeals. Researches for precedents, medical evidence, and laws to support the appeal.
Oversees and operates the County Veterans Burial Fund to provide an allowance for the burials of eligible wartime veterans and dependents and for installation of a grave marker. Authorizes payment service requirements and asset limitations are met.
Oversees and operates the County branch of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and the County Veterans Relief Fund. Assists veterans and dependents by providing for housing, food, utilities, prescriptions, transportation, and other needs. Conducts intake interviews with applicants for emergency grant assistance. Serves as authorized agent for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. Maintains and monitors the records for these funds.
Interviews veterans with medical, psychological, and alcohol/drug problems, and advises on the availability of treatment and hospitalization, and works in coordination with various agencies to arrange admissions, transportation, and custody in emergency situations.
Analyzes and interprets new and pending legislation pertaining to veterans. Prepares reactions or gathers information as necessary to respond to such legislation. Provides technical expertise on veteran benefits and entitlements to the Board of Commissioners and other county veteran organizations.
Stays abreast of services available through community agencies and refers veterans to those agencies as appropriate. Coordinates efforts with other human service agencies. Makes referrals to DHS, CMH, and other service providers.
Establishes and maintains current department reference library of fede
