Legal Services for Veterans Benefits Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: SSVF Legal Services Benefits Coordinator - Region II (Springfield/Decatur/Mattoon/Southern Illinois)

LOCATION/DEPT: The Salvation Army Veterans Services/Social Services Dept.

REPORTS to (TITLE): Veteran Services Legal Services Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

OUTCOMES:

NCI SSVF Legal Services Benefits Coordinator aims to provide professional level work counseling low-income Veteran families, regarding Veteran's benefits, available public assistance, claim procedures, beneficiary information and eligibility status for enhanced legal services from legal service providers and foster a deeper understanding of the life-changing work carried out by The Salvation Army North and Central Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Case Management (70%)

• Conducts legal assessments on all Veterans enrolled in the SSVF Program - Region II at intake and recertification periods.
• Serves as benefits representative, develops, and presents information to Veteran families to increase awareness of Veteran's benefits and programs.
• Conducts interviews with Veterans and their dependents and reviews background data on current medical and financial history to obtain information needed to determine eligibility.
• Evaluates information to determine potential eligibility of clients for benefits from related programs (e.g., Social Security, welfare, and vocational rehabilitation)
• Coordinates the claim packages for Veteran families seeking disability, education, medical and related benefits.
• Maintains monthly communication with Veterans referred to program (minimum).
• Provides weekly status updates on referrals.
• Conducts outreach activities throughout catchment area.
• Maintains compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification (required).
• Performs other duties, as assigned related to the SSVF Program.

1. Administrative (20%)

• Maintain up-to-date Master List of clients served in the program to include, intake, status, outcome, exit.
• Performs HMIS (SIMS) data entry, reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensiveness.
• Assists in generation progress reports on outcomes and activities for Staff Meetings
• Completes reports for timely submission as required by the VA.
• Maintains up to data and accurate record of all legal activities.

1. Collaboration (10%)

• Develops partnerships with legal aid providers throughout southern Illinois.
• Provides specialized informational and administrative tasks to services staff, collaborators, and community agencies.
• Works closely with SSVF case managers to determine client's eligibility for benefits, permanent housing, and temporary financial assistance.
• Assists SSVF case managers in identifying legal issues impacting housing stability.
• Coordinates and participates in case conferences.
• Attends community meetings and Coordinated Entry By-Name-List reviews.
• Attends community Veteran events such as Stand Down, Veteran Resource Fairs, etc.
• Communicate effectively with VA and The Salvation Army personnel.
• Attend weekly and monthly meetings as scheduled.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field. Comparable 1-2 years' experience in claims/benefits processing.
• Advanced degree in social work, counseling or human services is ideal.
• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.
• Veteran status preferred.

COMPENTENCIES

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Able to work with individuals of diverse legal backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure and time sensitive environment.
• Demonstrates ability to use computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and HMIS system.
• Must maintain and execute confidential information.
• Knowledge of services, policies, and procedures related to Salvation Army processes.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• An attention to detail.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• An ability to work with confidential material.
• A decision-making approach that uses good judgment.

POSITION LIMITATIONS (What this position must do)

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Legal Services Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 40 lbs.
• The work environment for this position normally includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Must be able to travel to multiple sites.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.