The mission of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is to connect, mobilize, and empower New York City’s Veteran Community to foster purpose-driven lives for New York City Service Members – past and present – in addition to their caregivers, survivors, and families. DVS fulfills this mission by providing New York City’s approximately 200,000 Veterans with essential services and programs focused on pivotal areas such as economic empowerment, housing security, benefits, health and wellness, and culture.
The Client Services Unit is responsible for providing referral and support services to Veterans in New York City. This includes ongoing resource development, policy and programmatic improvements and continuous coordination with city, state, federal and private sector partners that provide resources to Veterans.
About the Role
Note: Due to the unique nature of the role, it is highly recommended that candidates have prior VA claims processing experience and /or have Veteran status.
DVS seeks a highly qualified candidate to join the Client Services team as a Senior Veterans Benefits Advisor. The Senior Veterans Benefits Advisor will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a team responsible for processing Veteran’s claims with the VA. This role will be a subject matter expert in processing VA claims for Veteran benefits and train up staff as well as provide guidance and advice in this area. VA accreditation to process claims will be provided by New York State Department of Veterans Services.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Process VA Claims, Provide Veteran Benefits Counseling: Possess high-level knowledge of processing claims for Veteran benefits from the VA. Trainings and Accreditation from New York State
Department of Veterans Services (NYS DVS) will be provided and is required to maintain this role. Assist Veterans seeking disability compensation, Non-Service-Connected Pension,
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and other claimed benefits from the VA. Counsel Clients on VA benefits and ensure staff is trained and competently able to perform intake, advise on
earned VA benefits, request and gather necessary military records and personal statements, to effectively and efficiently process claims through the NYS DVS VetOps system. Ensure veteran
community are counseled concerning their rights and entitlements and are treated in a courteous, caring and highly professional manner. Perform as a case manager, conduct follow-ups, and
take necessary action to ensure satisfactory veteran progression.
• VetConnectNYC: Perform intakes and make referrals within a coordinated service of network providers and perform comprehensive benefits counseling. Assess Veteran’s unmet needs, identify
point of contacts with trusted service providers, determine eligibility criteria for programs and services, and/or assist Veterans to navigate resources through VetConnectNYC. Confirm that the
appropriate forms are accurately and efficiently completed and submitted. Ensure Veterans who have been identified as high-risk through DVS health screeners are connected to mental health
resources.
• Reporting: Provide support in delivering data for reporting requirements.
• Support Outreach and Engagement efforts: May be asked to attend Veteran Advisory Board meetings, relevant civic and community boards/meetings, precincts, veteran service organizations,
and represent DVS at community and ceremonial events.
Minimum Qual Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in “1” above.
Preferred Skills
• Proficient human relations skills and basic analytical abilities are required to interact with the members of the veteran community, analyze their needs and entitlements to benefits, and be familiar
with regulations and policies pertinent to their benefits;
• Basic knowledge of office management systems and procedures, general office equipment and proficiency with MS Office software such as Excel, Word, and other database management software
and computer applications is required;
• Must be proficient in dealing with diverse groups of individuals;
• Well-developed organizational and communication skills along with strong interpersonal and customer service skills, a professional attitude and appearance;
• Requires skills to work in a business environment, including organizing, coordinating, exercising daily decision-making, analyzing, and interpreting;
• The position requires a special level of sensitivity and confidentiality in the handling of personal matters which directly impact on the veterans’ community;
• Experience managing competing priorities and multiple deadlines and ability to work both independently and with a team;
• Veteran status is a plus.
To Apply
Please go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID #598439
For current City employees, please go to www.nyc.gov/ess and log into Employee Self Service.
“Veterans Strongly Encouraged to Apply
NO PHONE CALLS, FAXES OR PERSONAL INQUIRIES PERMITTED.
NOTE: ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.
Public Svc Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF .
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
POSTING DATE
08/18/2023
POST UNTIL
Until Filled
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.