Job Details

Working Title: Veterans SOAR Representative
Job Class: Veterans Claims Representative
Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Job ID: 80344
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/20/2024
• Closing Date: 10/10/2024
• 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.

Job Summary

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. SSI/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.

Qualifications

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:

Preferred Qualifications

• Claims adjudication experience
• Experience in public speaking
• 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.
• 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.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Natalie Pham at natalie.pham@state.mn.us or 952-378-5519.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Natalie Pham at natalie.pham@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.