Staff Assistant

Summary:

Reports to the Veterans Service Director and assists in office operations, as well as assists veterans, their dependents, and survivors in applying for the various benefits available through the VA, federal, state, and county agencies. The position is governed by departmental policy and VA regulations. Must be familiar with federal, state, and local laws relating to veteran's rights and entitlements. Maintains office operations in in the absence of the Veteran Service Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Greet individuals who come to the department, ascertain their needs, direct them to the appropriate sources for assistance and/or independently answer their questions regarding routine departmental procedures and regulations.

• Answer telephone, schedule appointments, take messages, refers calls to appropriate personnel for assistance or to answer questions according to office operating procedures.

• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the general public, government officials and fellow employees.

• Interview veterans and their dependents to, assist in filing applications and inform client of procedures and time-frame of process.

• Counsel veterans on available benefits and eligibility requirements.

• Contact other governmental agencies and refer client when needed.

• Draft and type appeals, letters, and general correspondence for the review of the Veteran Service Director.

• File copies of all outgoing or incoming correspondence, records, and documents.

• Prepare invoices for Veterans' Services Department bills and time sheets for employees.

• Maintain daily activity report.

• Make periodic inventory of office supplies and needed forms and/or office supplies.

• Prepare, deliver, and pick-up mail.

• Perform related responsibilities as required or assigned

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be proficient in the use of all associated office machines and PC's with accurate word processing ability. Should be proficient in all Microsoft Office software. The incumbent works with handicapped persons and clients with mental health problems and/or drug/alcohol problems, which require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to take dictation is required. Knowledge of community resources and programs available for referral is preferred. Veteran and/or Veteran's spouse preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Education and/or Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent is necessary. Knowledge of Veterans Administration regulations and/or other governmental agencies required.

Working Relationships:

Work with clients, social security and social services agencies, educational facilities, nursing facilities, and local veterans' organizations, State and regional VA centers. May be in daily contact with the VA Medical/Educational Centers in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle or feel objects/controls and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions.

The noise level in the typical work environment is moderate.