Benito Avila
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Highly motivated leader with 6+ years of military experience; successful at taking on routine and complex challenges with a resourceful and creative approach. Self-starter who is comfortable with working with people of all levels and has a transferable skill set for management across multiple industries.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Claims Examiner
Veterans Benefits Administration
06.2024 - Current
- Make determinations as to the eligibility for the type of benefit sought to include questions relating to adequacy of military service, medical evidence, and the evaluation of evidence of income, employability, dependence, and relationship.
- Request examinations, re-examination, or opinions to evaluate disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries.
- Review claims cases to assure all issues have been addressed, applies, and interprets VA laws, including veterans' case law, existing statutes and procedures, precedent rulings, and state law in the adjudication process.
- Conducted interviews in person or by phone with veterans, representatives, and advocates to explain the full range of VA benefits and related programs.
- Prepare and release correspondence for use by other federal, state, and local agencies.
- Utilize various electronic data processing (DEPP) systems to input data for processing claims and generating automated correspondence.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, ensuring confidentiality of personal and financial details for claimants throughout the claims examination process.
Operations Supervisor
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Developed plans, procedures, and detailed instructions to implement new regulations.
- Prepared reports on operational performance metrics, including job qualification testing and job qualification practicals, and presented them to senior leadership.
- Conducts security assessments.
- Documents findings/investigations in detailed reports and statements.
- Managed situations with a calm, analytical approach focused on successfully prioritizing needs, reclaiming order, and minimizing further damage or harm.
- Managed day operations, including scheduling personnel, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams such as legal, risk management, and fraud teams to support internal and external customers on fraud prevention, legal services, and law enforcement community policing.
- Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled under risk and compliance policies and procedures.
Security Dispatch
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
01.2020 - 02.2022
- Controlled and monitored all security/law enforcement radio transmissions.
- Briefed and dispatched law enforcement patrols to all incidents, alarms, and emergency situations.
- Oversaw and led investigations of theft and fraud and conducted interviews when appropriate.
- Operated communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, individual and crew-served weapons, and other special-purpose equipment.
- Managed all safety support programs to ensure a safe work environment for all members.
- Controlled physical and security technology programs, CCTV, access control, gate, and incident management systems.
- Utilized Air Force Justice Information System to write reports on property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, and unusual occurrences.
- Prioritized responses to public emergency and non-emergent calls to promptly dispatch police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time.
Incident Response Loader
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
07.2017 - 12.2019
- Responded to major incidents with a calm approach focused on reclaiming order and minimizing further damage or harm.
- Evaluated threats by conducting thorough risk assessments and developed effective risk management strategies to ensure optimal security and safety.
- Resolved wide-ranging, highly stressful situations effectively by maintaining current training in conflict management strategies.
- Responded to security incidents and alarms; protected 152 power projection assets valued at $2.9 billion.
- Applied self-aid buddy care and life-saving procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as a first responder to accident and disaster scenes.
- Successfully prevented loss of life through prompt and effective emergency response.
- Developed and deepened relationships with local county departments and city agencies to facilitate smooth planning and coordination of emergency response.
- 4+ years of experience in loss prevention, risk management, and law enforcement.
Education
Business Administration -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix03.2023
Psychology - undefined
Arizona State University
Tempe01.2021
Criminal Justice - undefined
Community College of the Air Force
02.2020
Skills
- Claims processing
- Verbal communication
- Data verification
- Disability claims process
- Investigative skills
- Decision-making
- Customer service and support
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Veterans Claims Examiner
Veterans Benefits Administration
06.2024 - Current
Operations Supervisor
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
02.2021 - 06.2023
Security Dispatch
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
01.2020 - 02.2022
Incident Response Loader
U.S. AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY
07.2017 - 12.2019
Psychology - undefined
Arizona State University
Criminal Justice - undefined
Community College of the Air Force
Business Administration -
Grand Canyon University