Al Barnes
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Veterans services professional with significant experience in providing comprehensive support and guidance to veterans. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, ensuring adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in benefits administration, case management, and effective communication. Known for reliability, compassion, and problem-solving approach.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Services Representative
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Company Overview: Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Claims)
- Veterans Claims Examiner Work involving developing and evaluating supportive evidence to determine eligibility for, entitlement to, and amount of benefits; authorizing benefits; and reconsidering claims for education benefits
- This position also requires that we work and think independently when verifying veteran status
- These veterans are usually recently discharged and require file research in several different data bases
- In this position I will also be responsible for processing all incoming digital mail for the Buffalo Regional Processing Office and ensuring it is placed within The Image and file Management System (TIMS) in an efficient and timely manner
- I will be required to make reports to the Claims Supervisor and assist in the creation of veteran's education digital files for the Veterans Claims Examiners (VCE)
- I will also be expected to review veteran correspondence to determine if the correspondence is for education benefits and routed to the appropriate client processing jurisdiction
- Finally, this position requires that we be familiar with and utilize a multitude of computer programs
- These programs include but are not limited to: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Sharepoint, Veterans Information Systems (VIS), BDN and Microsoft Teams
- Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Claims)
Veterans Claims Examiner (Trainee)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Company Overview: Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Education)
- Veterans Claims Examiner Work involving developing and evaluating supportive evidence to determine eligibility for, entitlement to, and amount of benefits; authorizing benefits; and reconsidering claims for education benefits
- This position also requires that we work and think independently when verifying veteran status
- These veterans are usually recently discharged and require file research in several different data bases
- In this position I will also be responsible for processing all incoming digital mail for the Buffalo Regional Processing Office and ensuring it is placed within The Image and file Management System (TIMS) in an efficient and timely manner
- I will be required to make reports to the Claims Supervisor and assist in the creation of veteran's education digital files for the Veterans Claims Examiners (VCE)
- I will also be expected to review veteran correspondence to determine if the correspondence is for education benefits and routed to the appropriate client processing jurisdiction
- Finally, this position requires that we be familiar with and utilize a multitude of computer programs
- These programs include but are not limited to: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Sharepoint, Veterans Information Systems (VIS), BDN and Microsoft Teams
- Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Education)
Program Support Assistant (Tele-work)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Company Overview: Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Education)
- In this position, which is administrative in nature, I am primarily responsible for the creation of the veteran's education claim files digitally
- During this process I am responsible for identifying the initial benefit type also referred to as GI Bill chapter benefits
- This process is highly time sensitive and requires continued monitoring of my personal queue
- Ensuring that all veteran applications are processed in a timely manner
- This position also requires that we work and think independently when verifying veteran status
- These veterans are usually recently discharged and requires file research in several different data bases
- In this position I will also be responsible for processing some incoming digital mail for the Buffalo Regional Processing Office and ensuring it is placed within The Image and file Management System (TIMS) in an efficient and timely manner
- I will be required to make reports to the Claims Supervisor and assist in the creation of veteran's education digital files in BDN and CH 33 LTS systems
- I will also be expected to review veteran correspondence to determine if the correspondence is for education benefits and routed to the appropriate client processing jurisdiction
- Finally, this position requires that we be familiar with and utilize a multitude of computer programs
- These programs include but are not limited to: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Sharepoint, Veterans Information Systems (VIS), BDN and Microsoft Teams and the LTS CH 33 claims processing program
- Veterans Benefit Administration Buffalo Regional Office (Education)
Internship
HORIZONS HEALTH SERVICES
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Company Overview: ADVANCED CLINICAL INTERNSHIP - PART 1
- In Freedom Village, as an intern I was tasked with supporting an inpatient drug treatment program and assist in providing intensive substance use disorder treatment to men who have served in the military and/or as first responders
- While also incorporating specialized individual and family services for those who also may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or mental health disorders
- During this portion of my internship, I was responsible for completing a multitude of individual trainings related to the Horizon approach to treating individuals with drug and alcohol abuse issues
- This involved multitasking and learning computer technologies to support these efforts
- These systems included using Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft teams
- This position also required that I grasp and have a good understanding of NYS state and federal treatment regulations and guidelines
- Related to Medicaid and other resources related to payment for treatment
- ADVANCED CLINICAL INTERNSHIP - PART 1
- Supervisor: Tracy Schmidt LCSW
Nursing Assistant
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
12.2012 - 04.2020
- Company Overview: VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Performed basic Nursing assistant duties on Cardiac patients assigned to the Cardiac Telemetry Unit at the VA Hospital
- Specific duties include assisting with morning patient care
- Took vitals and recorded them in the patient's chart as directed by the Nurse in charge
- Assist with patient hygiene care
- Performed clothing and valuables intake and inventory during admission
- Performed one to one supervision of patients deemed to have suicidal ideation
- In addition, I assisted with maintaining a unit floor clear of equipment, food and debris
- VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Supervisor: BARB SMITH MS, RN (716-834-9200)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Direct Care Staff
COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
07.2011 - 12.2012
- Supervised disabled adolescent clients placed in a group home setting
- Entered case notes on a day to day basis regarding client behaviors and activities
- Assisted clients with learning and performing activities of daily living
- Assisted client therapist in the creation of client specific treatment plans and events
- Transported clients to and from therapy sessions, school, medical and other important appointments
- Supervisor: JACKIE ASBY (716-8394519)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Mental Health Technician
BRYLIN HOSPITALS
05.2007 - 03.2011
- Supervised patients admitted to the hospital for inpatient evaluation and treatment related to addiction and/or mental health issues
- Gathered initial patient vitals and weight prior to the patient's formal admission to the unit
- Assisted charge nurse in admission paperwork ensuring proper patient demographic and emergency reach information is properly entered in patient's chart
- Assisted therapist in the facilitation of teen groups and other recreational activities
- Performed various 1:1 close supervisions of patients deemed to be in need of additional supervision as a result of suicidal ideation
- Assisted in verbal as well as physical intervention when called to do so
- Performed one on one supervision and care for patients hospitalized with thoughts of self-harm
- Supervisor: GENE PHOEL (716-886-8207)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Probation Officer
ERIE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
04.1999 - 11.2006
- Performed client intake/assessment and Social Service referrals for Families in need as part of initial Family Court service plan
- Supervised youth placed on probation as a result of Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) and/or Juvenile Delinquency (JD) Family Court Adjudications
- Scheduled and performed formal Family Court, Buffalo City Court and New York State Supreme Court investigations
- These investigations complete in nature where done using standard social work comprehensive assessment format
- These investigations required providing detailed and chronological reports of criminal sentencing, family court adjudications and reports of child abuse findings
- Maintained detailed and accurate case notes as related to individual client cases
- Critical to this position was having a concrete understanding of NYS laws and Sentencing regulations and guidelines
- Focusing on providing Judges with appropriate sentencing recommendations
- Again based on established rules and sentencing guidelines
- Performed scheduled and unscheduled drug tests
- Made referrals to appropriate alcohol and drug treatment and evaluation sites
- Assisted in the formulation and implementation of therapeutic treatment plans
- Received extensive training in (Article 35) use of physical force
- Supervisor: Maria Thomas (716-858-8200)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Preventive Services Case Manager
BAKER VICTORY SERVICES
01.1997 - 04.1999
- Performed case management services for children and families supervised by Erie County Family Court
- Facilitated Court mandated parenting groups
- Authorized case management assistant to engage in rapport building activities with the family and children
- Performed child health, welfare and safety checks
- Performed agency intake, comprehensive assessment and case opening procedures
- Created family and person centered treatment plans
- Authorized rent, appliance, and toy vouchers for families in need
- Maintained accurate daily progress notes
- Maintained accurate agency billable hours reports
- Performed monthly or as needed case conferences with Family Court and Department of Social Services Representatives attending
- Referred parents or teens struggling with alcohol and drug abuse issues for evaluation and treatment
- Provided child and family response to treatment reports directly to the Court
- Finally, performed relief staff duties for the agency's teen residential and secured residential treatment facilities when needed
- Supervisor: Barb Farrow
Collections Specialist
GREAT LAKES COLLECTIONS
09.1995 - 12.1997
- Performed general collections activity on various accounts such as: Sears, MBNA, Nations Bank, Citi Bank, Wachovia Bank and a host of others
- In Addition, I performed small balance collections on accounts such as Tops Supermarkets, Figi and Fingerhut mail order
- As part of my duties, I also performed skip tracing activities and other administrative support functions
- Supervisor: MIKE SMITH (716-852-4082)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Military Police
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
12.1991 - 03.1995
- Performed basic law enforcement activities for Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune North Carolina
- These activities included standing guard at the main gate
- Vehicle road patrols of the Marine Corps Base, base housing and shopping areas as well as patrolling highly sensitive weapons and equipment areas
- Performed domestic violence intervention
- Received extensive firearms training regarding (Article 35) procedures
- Received PR-24 baton training, shotgun training as well as CPR certifications
- Supervisor: GYSGT
- LOVE (919-455-5555)
Education
NYS Peer Support Specialist Certification Course -
NEW YORK STATE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST BOARD
01.2025
Masters - Social Work
DAEMEN COLLEGE
Amherst, NY05.2020
MSW - Electives
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
Buffalo, NY01.2017
Nursing AAS - Nursing
NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Sanborn, NY09.2008
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work
DAEMEN COLLEGE
Amherst, NY01.1998
Skills
- Needs assessment
- Treatment planning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Documentation proficiency
- Chronic disease management
- Progress evaluations
- Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Cultural Awareness
Custom
716-359-9600
Custom
716-548-8338
Custom
United States Marine Corps, Jacksonville, NC, 1991-12-01, 1995-03-01, Military Police, Performed basic law enforcement activities, Received extensive firearms training, GySgt. Love
Timeline
Veterans Services Representative
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
01.2022 - 06.2024
Veterans Claims Examiner (Trainee)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
10.2021 - 02.2022
Program Support Assistant (Tele-work)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
10.2020 - 11.2021
Internship
HORIZONS HEALTH SERVICES
01.2020 - 05.2020
Nursing Assistant
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
12.2012 - 04.2020
Direct Care Staff
COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
07.2011 - 12.2012
Mental Health Technician
BRYLIN HOSPITALS
05.2007 - 03.2011
Probation Officer
ERIE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
04.1999 - 11.2006
Preventive Services Case Manager
BAKER VICTORY SERVICES
01.1997 - 04.1999
Collections Specialist
GREAT LAKES COLLECTIONS
09.1995 - 12.1997
Military Police
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
12.1991 - 03.1995
NYS Peer Support Specialist Certification Course -
NEW YORK STATE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST BOARD
Masters - Social Work
DAEMEN COLLEGE
MSW - Electives
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
Nursing AAS - Nursing
NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work
DAEMEN COLLEGE
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