Veterans Claims Representative / Full-time, Day Shift

About the role

This position performs advocacy work for Veterans and their dependents seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). Veterans Claims Representatives act as a United States Department of Veterans Affairs Accredited Power of Attorney (POA) to advocate for veterans and their dependents by preparing and monitoring claims and appeals before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Decision Review Officers (DROs) and the United States Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). A successful incumbent in this role will accept, advise or act on behalf of the clientele on more advanced cases including the development of and execution of advanced appeals processes. They will also represent and/or advise clientele in USDVA hearings.

This position will be primarily housed out of the Federal Whipple Building in Minneapolis, with the ability to telework, however the incumbent will be supporting Veterans in the North Metro. This position is telework eligible and required to work in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month. Travel is required up to 10% of the time, including occasional overnight travel as well as travel throughout the State of Minnesota for conferences and travel in the North Metro region for training with County Veteran Service Officers.

Work Shift: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience in at least three of the following areas relevant to Veterans/Military personnel benefits, Veterans programs, or disability/medical claims:

• Interviewing claimants
• Investigating/researching claims
• Advocating/recommending disposition of claims
• Approving claims
• Documenting decisions
• Interpreting and applying guidelines, rules, laws and/or policies and procedures
• Providing technical assistance
• Presenting at hearings or conferences

To be considered eligible for appointment to this position, as technical staff defined in Minnesota Statutes 196.07, applicants must meet the following criteria defined in section 196.02: Residence in the State of Minnesota, Citizenship in the United States, and Veteran of the armed forces of the United States as defined in section 197.447. Minnesota Statute 197.447 defines "Veteran" as a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty, or who has met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 3.12a, or who has active military service certified under section 401, Public Law 95-202. The active military service must be certified by the United States Secretary of Defense as active military service and a discharge under honorable conditions must be issued by the Secretary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Claims adjudication experience
• Experience in public speaking
• Knowledge of medical anatomy and physiology

Additional Requirements

• Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
• Applicants will be required to submit an original or certified copy of their DD214 if called for an interview. The hiring process will not be delayed if selected interviewees are unable to produce a DD214.
• Must be able to pass a background check to meet Federal information system access requirements outlined in Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 201 and mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) prior to completion of the probationary period.
• Finalist may be required to pass a driver's license check.
• A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening (or chest x-ray) may be required prior to employment.
• A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position(s). When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify; for more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support – a voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance. Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues. Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.