Abolished 10/07
VETERANS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I
4227D2
Pay Grade: 20
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is technical work in assisting and representing veterans and
their dependents in securing benefits from the federal government and the state of Kansas.
Work involves providing information and assistance to veterans and
dependents in obtaining special services and benefits. Work is performed within the
framework of both the federal government's and the state's laws, policies, and regulations
pertaining to veterans' benefits and services.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…"
Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and
are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of
established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred
to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to
established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is
confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in
turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration.
Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of
conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may
involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due
to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which
may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in
solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent
judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with
supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or
technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed
occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be
significant.
Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence,
motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common
understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the
individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well
developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.
Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary
and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated;
however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves
normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or
libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent
in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is
only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL D: Involves administrative
supervision responsibility. As a "first line supervisor", the primary
responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the
same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a
higher level of authority. As a "project manager" may direct the activities of
project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one
or more projects.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Veterans Service Representative II class in which
the incumbents supervise, develop and implement training programs for incumbents in the
Veterans Service Representative I class.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Conducts interviews with veterans and dependents to obtain
information needed to determine eligibility for federal government and state benefits;
provides explanation and interpretation of laws and regulations for services available to
veterans and their dependents.
Assists veterans and their dependents in preparing forms and
documents necessary for presenting claims for benefits; assists veterans with applications
for discharge review and for correction of military records; assists and gives information
regarding military benefits and retirement.
Accesses and extracts information regarding claims and benefits
from a computerized database such as the Veterans Administration "Target"
Computer System.
Reviews claim folders to ensure completeness and conformity to
guidelines pertaining to needed evidence, progress of the claim, reasons for decisions and
desirability of appealing. Reviews federal government rating board decisions in pending
claims.
Prepares briefs and full-written appeals when claimants are not
satisfied with rating board decisions. Presents arguments before a hearing officer and
federal government boards for veterans. Gives information and assistance to veterans on
the appeal process of the US courts.
Speaks before veterans and other organizations on veteran benefits
regarding the agency's role in providing assistance to Kansans.
Provides itinerant services on a regular monthly schedule to
provide a full-veteran's assistance program to veterans and dependents in the county and
those in nursing homes and hospitals.
Conducts periodic inspections and supervision of educational
programs by supervisory visits to colleges, non-college degree programs, on-the-job
training sites and apprenticeship programs.
Assists claimants in obtaining admission and securing outpatient
treatments at medical centers for veterans; assists in securing needed pharmacy items and
prosthetic equipment.
May supervise clerical staff.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations
relating to special benefits and services for veterans and their dependents.
Knowledge of the methods and procedures for obtaining veterans
benefits and services.
Knowledge of medical terminology pertaining to mental and physical
disabilities.
Abilities
*Ability to prepare and present an effective case for the granting
of veterans' benefits.
*Ability to conduct interviews with veterans and their dependents
to obtain accurate and complete information.
*Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with
veterans, their dependents, veterans' organizations, and governmental agencies.
*Ability to prepare reports and make recommendations.
*Ability to work effectively with schools, hospitals and nursing
homes.
*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must be an honorably discharged
veteran or retired from the United States armed forces and have six months of
experience in human services assistance.
Education may be substituted for experience as
determined relevant by the agency.
Necessary Special Requirements:
Some positions may be required to meet membership requirements of either the
American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
NC: 06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 05/96
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05 |