TRANSITION ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST T32

Military Grades: Enlisted: SGT/E-5 to SFC/E-7 Officer: 2LT/O-1 to 1LT/O-2 Warrant Officer Candidate: WOC Warrant Officer: WO1/W-1 to CW2/W-2 Compatible Military Assignments: Any Army MOS or Branch [NOTE: For WOC applicants, your Soldier Talent Profile must show you possess MOS 09W] SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must possess at least 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions. Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations.

Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures. Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations. [See Duties]

This position is located with the G1 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The purpose of this position is to plan, develop, manage, implement, coordinate and direct the State National Guard Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program, serve as the single point of contact in the state by advising all Army and Air National Guard members, family members, senior leadership, managers, and supervisors on the myriad of constantly evolving benefits and entitlements available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, TRICARE Military Health System, and the Department of Defense, resolve problems encountered when accessing benefits and entitlements to these programs and track wounded Guard members from OCONUS to the military treatment facility back to their home state.

Duties (Condensed): Serves as the Joint Force Headquarters (State) consultant on the TAA Program and VA benefits. Manages the state/territory TAA Program. Serves as the policy advisor in the development and implementation of the TAA Program. Develops, directs, manages, implements, coordinates, and evaluates the human service delivery system to ensure that military and family members understand and obtain the entitlements, benefits and services authorized and available to them.

Coordinates with the Air National Guard (ANG) Military Personnel Flight (MPF), ANG Medical Squadron, Army National Guard (ARNG) J-1 directorate, ARNG Medical Command, the Family Program Office, the National Guard Bureau, and other State National Guard components.

Provides assistance, guidance, information and support to Guard members and their families in understanding and obtaining entitlements, benefits and services through Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and the military health system after mobilization. Coordinates with the appropriate federal and state directorates, and community resources.

Researches and resolves complex issues and problems associated with entitlements when Guard members and/or their family members encounter problems and have no knowledge of where to go for assistance or resolution. Serves as an advisor to the state Adjutant General (TAG) on the TAA Program for the state/territory.

Provides advice and counsel to the state Adjutant General, Governor, senior leadership and management; and coordinates with Family Program Office, Employer Support Groups, Military Treatment Facility (MTF), Medical Squadron, Military Personnel Flight and J-1 regarding entitlements available through Department of Veterans Affairs and other entitlement, resources, benefits and recommended changes to legislation on Guard member benefits.

Prepares, initiates and recommends policy changes, drafts and prepares legislation to effect improvements to State benefits for Guard members. Initiates, develops, drafts and prepares Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) for the State to define mutually agreed upon requirements, expectations and obligations with State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organizations, Department of Labor, the Transition Assistance Advisor, and community agencies and organizations.

Interprets regulations, policy, laws and adapts guidance from higher headquarters and a wide variety of outside sources, tailoring it to the unique needs of the diversified units within the State. Provides education, briefings and training to State Joint Forces Headquarters staff as to the entitlements available through the Veterans Affairs, TRICARE, and Veteran Service Organizations.

Outlines the responsibilities of the Transition Assistance Advisor Program and how the TAA position is able to devise solutions for Guard members and families when facing barriers to care. Represents TAG and the National Guard at various Veterans' related events within the State. Analyzes and identifies barriers Guard/family members experience in obtaining Veterans' entitlements and coordinates with appropriate Veterans Affairs personnel at the local, state and regional level and/or Veteran Service Organizations.

Drafts and submits monthly reports to the National Guard Bureau Warrior Support Office, the State military leadership, and the State Director of Veterans Affairs that identify barriers encountered by Guard members and their families regarding receipt of entitlements and the problem-solving actions taken by the TAA to resolve them. Analyzes, interprets, and clarifies changes in the various and constantly evolving Veterans Affairs entitlements.

Establishes and participates on councils, working groups and/or teams representing organizations and agencies involved in obtaining and resolving entitlements and benefits issues for all National Guard members or their families. Coordinates with the State Deputy Surgeon and the NGB Warrior Support Office in order to identify and track Guard members who have been wounded while on Active Duty status. Performs other duties as assigned. THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.