TVC - Health Care Advocate (Veterans Services Repr

About the role

This position will act as a liaison between veterans and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to resolve access issues involving VA health care related services. The position will also serve as a liaison between patient advocates, patients, staff, and the community regarding the patient experience, patient rights, and advocacy, while assisting patients in understanding their rights and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Interviews veterans, their dependents, and/or survivors to provide services, counseling, and assistance in obtaining VA health care benefits, rights, and entitlements.
• Reviews all supporting information for complaints from veterans and develops a plan for successful resolution in a timely manner.
• Consults with TVC staff, VA Patient Advocates, medical, and legal staff to gather pertinent evidence to resolve veteran health care related issues.
• Understands and applies VA rules and regulations when reviewing VA documentation and veterans' medical information.
• May counsel veterans and their families to obtain other supportive services.
• Works under moderate supervision, analyzes and solves problems; researches, gathers, and documents information, determines best course of action to solve veterans' concerns and to communicate effectively with all parties involved.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, business management, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with health care providers and staff to help resolve patient concerns.
• A valid Texas Driver's License must be provided within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Honorably discharged veteran is strongly preferred.
• Experience working within the VA Health Care System is strongly preferred.
• Experience in processing, developing, or adjudicating VA claims for benefits is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of VA rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Skill in interviewing and providing exemplary customer service.
• Skill in critical thinking.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Skill in public speaking and making material presentations to an audience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations applicable to navigating the VA Health Care System.
• Ability to maintain efficient and effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to work well in an independent setting with moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and all levels of authority.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.

Environmental and Physical Conditions

Normal office work environment, mostly sedentary in nature. May involve walking; standing; remaining stationary for long periods of time; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Work involves extensive telephone usage and repetitive hand/wrist/finger motions while using the computer.