Abolished 10/07

VETERANS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

4228D2

Pay Grade: 22

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is technical and supervisory work in assisting and representing veterans and their dependents in securing benefits from the federal government and the state of Kansas.

Work involves planning, directing and participating in the activities required to provide information and assistance to veterans and dependents in obtaining special services and benefits. Work includes developing and implementing training programs for lower-level veterans service representatives and providing complex technical assistance to resolve unusual problems. 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 I class in which the incumbents do not supervise, develop and implement training programs for incumbents in the Veterans Service Representative I class.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Supervises and coordinates the activities of lower-level veterans service representatives and clerical staff engaged in veterans service work; provides technical assistance to staff; supervises and monitors work schedules of employees, some at different geographic locations.

Completes employee performance evaluations, position descriptions and employment standards; counsels, arbitrates and initiates recommendation for disciplinary action, interviews job applicants and makes recommendations for hire.

Develops and disseminates technical information regarding the rights and benefits of veterans accruing from pertinent federal and state laws.

Reviews claims information, assists and advises veterans and dependents in developing and presenting claims for benefits. Assists veterans in preparing appeal case briefs and presents arguments before a hearing officer and federal government boards for claimants receiving unfavorable rating board decisions.

Develops, schedules, and conducts, training programs for veteran service representatives.

Establishes and maintains contacts with and speaks before veterans' organizations and other public and private agencies interested in services to veterans.

Answers written and verbal inquiries pertaining to veteran services and benefits.

Supervises regular reporting procedures as well as any special required reports and statistics.

Maintains effective liaison with federal, state and local officials and the public involved in veteran's issues and activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of the various benefits and services available to veterans and their dependents, and of federal and state laws and regulations governing their administration.

*Knowledge of the procedures and methods for obtaining veterans' benefits and services.

Knowledge of medical terminology and technology used in describing physical and mental disabilities.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

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 effectively supervise.

*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 one year of experience in veterans' benefits 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: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05