Staff Assistant.

Duties

The Staff Assistant processes VA Form 1900 Applications for VR&E Services for Disabled Veterans. Incumbent adjudicates General Eligibility Determinations (GED’s) for all Chapter 31 and other applicants. This would include denial of applications -processes required notification, appeal rights and CWINRS Auto GED processes. Incumbent must exercise judgment and be capable of working independently without supervision. Incumbent must have extensive knowledge of the adjudication processes characteristic of the VR&E program.

• Responds to telephone inquiries from claimants, their representatives, VR&E staff and other VA personnel and resolves issues which may include but not limited to the following: Status of counseling, case status in CWINRS, Chapter 31 awards, entitlement calculations, tuition, fees, books, supplies and subsistence inquiries.
• Receives veterans and other visitors to regional office and out-based sites making inquiries regarding VR&E issues. Screens issues presented by the veterans or other visitors, and in the absence of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), and within the scope of assigned responsibilities, serves as VA representative to resolve issues presented by veterans.
• Assists VRCs with Chapter 31 enrollments by preparing certification lists for training facilities and preparing 28-1905 authorizing enrollments. Assists VRCs to maintain satisfactory supervisory schedules by maintaining calendar of requires supervision visits, preparing schedule letter to veteran and rescheduling requested supervisory dates. Reviews enrollment certification from school certifying officer to ensure veteran is properly enrolled, enrolled in course work required of degree plan, and that enrollment qualifies for an appropriate subsistence allowance. Must be proficient in utilizing VA ONCE. Determines if enrollment is appropriate as prescribed by degree plan, Individual Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP), and proper rate of subsistence pay. Prepares subsistence award as independent reviewer.
• Authorizes Chapter 31 subsistence awards using Claims Authorization (CAUT) command. Solves payment inquiries, possesses a basic knowledge of the computer, processing procedures, master record storage, code identification and translation systems. Determines eligibility for Post 9/11 BAH rate or Chapter 31 SA.
• Receives VR&E billings from schools for tuition, books, fees and supplies. Ensures all receipts are date stamped. Reviews voucher for correct billing for tuition, fees and books. Evaluates supply billing for items not authorized for VR&E. Prepares certification document for case manager to present to the voucher auditor for payment.
• Receives grades from schools for veterans training _under Chapter 31. Associates with proper Counseling, Evaluation, Rehabilitation (CER) folder and degree plan to determine if veteran is achieving successful pursuit. Prepares action document for case manager as grades dictate (Noting failing grades, Incompletes, and withdrawals).
• Independently and effectively utilize CWINRS to effectively accomplish Chapter 31 award actions, update case status, read screens, draw conclusions, determine appropriate award action and make recommendations from screen review, prepare original word processing documents and utilize glossaries to prepare documents.
• Receives request from Chapter 31 participants requesting a special service. Advises veteran of appropriate action required to receive requested services. Incumbent approves or denies special services and prepares documents for services such as medical referrals, loan requests and tutor requests. Assists claimants in preparing claims for these benefits, services, rights and privileges. Assists in procuring and preparing documents or other evidence when required. (Example: benefits, applications, medical records, DD214s and beneficiary documents.)

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is GS-07/09.

Work Schedule Full time, Monday through Friday 07:00 am - 03:30 pm PT. Tour will be determined after final selections. Tour is subject to change based on program needs.

Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized

Telework Not A…