<p>Work Location: Manatee County Veteran Services, 1401 3rd Ave W. Bradenton FL 34205</p> <p>Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am to 5 pm; with occasional Outreach events in the evenings and on the weekends, as well as Military Holidays (Outreach on Veterans Day and Memorial Day).</p> <p>Expected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 - $29.59</p> <p>This classification is responsible for acting as lead Veterans Services Counselor. In addition to performing all duties of a Veterans Counselor, this position exists to plan, assign, train, mentor and review the work of the Veterans Services Counselor engaged in claiming authorized benefits and services. Position requires use of good public relations skills and a high level of confidentiality, diplomacy, and discretion. The incumbent reports directly to the CVSO.</p> <p>Working Conditions</p> <p>Indoor/Outdoor situation; Work requires sitting at a desk/computer 90-95% of the day. Occasional assignments may require off-site and sometimes outdoors events. May be required to attend functions during evenings, weekends, and holidays.</p> <p>Essential Functions</p> <p>These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.</p> <p>Applies knowledge of laws, procedures, practices, regulations, etc., that affect veterans and their families and remains current with pertinent changes; reviews and remains current with existing human services programs and benefits (including Medicare, Tricare, Tricare for Life, and Senior Pharmacy payment programs) and how they interrelate with veteran services.</p> <p>Remains current with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Organization and pertinent contacts within the various sections, i. e., Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery System, Office of Inspector General, General Counsel Office, etc.</p> <p>Conducts interviews; counsels and assists veterans, dependents, and dependents of deceased veterans regarding applicable benefits; advises clients of other benefits or services for which they may be eligible and facilitates the delivery of those benefits or services; ensures HIPAA guidelines, as related to veteran files, are followed.</p> <p>Provides direct consultation and guidance to subordinate staff on complex case situations, emergencies or cases which require higher level decisions, such as those related to answering correspondence from Board of Veterans Appeals and the Court of Veterans Appeals.</p> <p>Assists clients with applications for claims, appeals and performs follow-up appointments to determine proper disposition.</p> <p>Remains current on changes to pertinent laws, rules, and regulations; responds to inquiries regarding interpretation of applicable laws, rules and regulations, ensuring junior staff is aware and understands the changes and how if applies to their positions; reviews veteran files for possible new claims resulting from such changes.</p> <p>Uses automated equipment to access veteran records locally and through the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), SHARE and Legacy VA systems.</p> <p>Assumes duties of the County Veteran Services Officer in his/her absence.</p> <p>Effectively coach, train, mentor and supervise subordinate staff and coordinate activities, trainings, outreach and services provided by the division.</p> <p>Manages off-site personnel, ensuring proper coverage at each outreach location and adherence to office protocols.</p> <p>Makes presentations before civic and veterans' groups regarding the mission of the division.</p> <p>Serves as liaison with other agencies and organizations involved with veterans and their affairs.</p> <p>Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, pertinent State, Federal and local agencies and representatives, Veterans' Organizations, veterans and their families, and the general public.</p> <p>Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.</p> <p>Minimum of three (3) years' experience involving client interviewing, counseling, or related field.</p> <p>Prior lead or supervisory experience.</p> <p>Current Certification as a State of Florida Veteran Services Officer.</p> <p>Must be a veteran who served as a member of the active duty armed forces of the United States for other than training as defined in Title 38 C.F.R., a and was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran.</p> <p>Must be accredited by a Service Organization and certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for electronic access to VA claims data.</p> <p>An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience may be considered.</p> <p>Associate's degree in business, Human Services, or related field desired.</p> <p>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</p> <p>Considerable knowledge of offices established for the purpose of providing assistance to Veterans, including the Veterans Administration, Veterans organizations and various state and local Veterans offices.</p> <p>Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.</p> <p>Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, principles and practices related to Veterans' services.</p> <p>Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, federal and state guidelines and procedures.</p> <p>Ability to effectively establish priorities, delegate responsibilities and meet deadlines.</p> <p>Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.</p> <p>Ability to meet and interact effectively with the public, and establish proactive and effective working relationships with co-workers, County officials, and federal and state representatives.</p> <p>Ability to effectively plan, direct, train, mentor and evaluate the work of assigned staff.</p> <p>Ability to professionally represent the Division in the absence of the Manager.</p> <p>Ability to make professional presentations to the Board of County Commissioners and related authorities.</p> <p>Skill in the operation of a personal computer with ability to use Microsoft computer applications including, but not limited to, Lotus Notes, Word, Access, Power Point, and Excel.</p>