Veterans SOAR Representative (Full-time, Day Shift)

Working Title: Veterans SOAR Representative

Job Class: Veterans Claims Representative

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Job ID : 82780

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 12/20/2024

• Closing Date : 12/30/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs / Veterans Affairs-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Programs & Services / Veteran SOAR

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes / 50%

• Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (~~~/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Do you want to give back to Minnesota Veterans? Join a team dedicated to connecting Veterans and their dependents to Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans SOAR program supports the governor's vision to end Veteran homelessness in the State of Minnesota by securing stable income for Veterans with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a national model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits.

In this role, you will work directly with Veterans and their spouses throughout the SSA disability claims process using the SOAR model. Veterans SOAR Representatives promote, support, and administer the program by collaborating with federal and state agencies, county offices, and nonprofit organizations located throughout the state. Consider joining our team and assist in connecting Veterans and their spouses with life-changing benefits. This is an outreach position with in-person appointments with Veterans. Although most meetings will take place within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, there will be occasional travel into Greater Minnesota. A state vehicle will be provided for both local and out-of-town travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience in at least three (3) of the following areas relevant to Veterans / Military 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

OR

• Two (2) years of experience in the U.S. Armed Forces as a noncommissioned or commissioned officer.

AND

• Ability to travel at least 50% of the time

AND

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:

1. Residence in the State of Minnesota,

2. Citizenship in the United States, and

3. Veteran of the armed forces of the United States as defined in section 197.447. 197.447 Veteran, defined: The word "veteran" as used in Minnesota Statutes, except in sections 136F.28, 196.21, and 243.251,means 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, title38, 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 case management

• Knowledge of Social Security Administration's rules and regulations

• Experience working in the field of homelessness

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following

• 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 complete SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) training within the first two weeks of employment.

• Applicants selected to interview will be required to complete a writing assessment.

• Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer (s).

• Finalists may be required to pass drivers license check.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.