Christopher Paul
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Dynamic Veteran Assistance Counselor with proven success in managing VA claims and advocating for veterans' benefits at the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Skilled in crisis intervention and community outreach, I excel in fostering interagency collaboration and empowering clients through strategic planning and effective communication. Committed to enhancing veterans' lives with compassion and expertise.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
VETERAN ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Baton Rouge, LA
10.2024 - Current
- Educate veterans and their families on a wide range of state and federal benefits, including healthcare, education, housing, and employment programs.
- File and manage VA disability compensation and pension claims with a high success rate, advocating for clients throughout the entire process.
- Interpret complex VA regulations and policies to provide clear and personalized guidance tailored to each veteran's service history and needs.
- Serve as a liaison between veterans and local/state agencies to ensure coordination of services and timely delivery of benefits.
- Maintain accurate records and manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality, in compliance with HIPAA and VA privacy protocols.
- Conduct outreach through community events and one-on-one consultations, increasing awareness of available benefits among underserved veteran populations.
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and referral to mental health and social services when needed.
- Collaborate with fellow counselors, legal advocates, and case managers to create holistic support strategies that empower veterans to achieve long-term stability.
VOLUNTEER MENTOR / CIRCLE MENTOR
BIG BUDDY PROGRAM
Baton Rouge, LA
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Assisted Little Buddies with homework assignments, developing problem-solving skills, and encouraging self-directed learning habits.
- Acted as a liaison between the Big Buddy and Little Buddy Program Coordinator and other departments within the organization, ensuring that information was communicated accurately across multiple channels.
- Utilized creative thinking strategies to develop innovative solutions to challenging situations encountered while working with youth.
- Conducted regular one-on-one meetings with each mentee to discuss challenges, successes, and goals.
- Provided resources related to mental health awareness, including stress management strategies.
ORDER SELECTOR / PALLET JACK OPERATOR
MARTIN BROWER
Walker, LA
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Correctly fulfill orders placed by McDonald's and Chick-fil-A stores within the area.
- Work and communicate with others in a fast-paced environment.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
RIFLEMAN / TEAM LEADER / SQUAD LEADER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Jacksonville, NC
06.2014 - 08.2018
- Executed all orders and instructions to ensure operational efficiency.
- Maintained personal fitness to enhance overall performance.
- Developed rifleman skills through targeted training initiatives.
- Guided three Marines as a small unit, elevating team standards in physical and mental performance.
- Held accountability for serialized gear within the team at all times.
- Led three four-man teams, fostering responsibility among team leaders.
- Enhanced squad cohesion by promoting collaboration and mutual support.
- Challenged squad members’ mental and physical limits to achieve peak performance.
Education
Business Administration -
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
07-2024
High School -
PORT ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL
05.2014
Skills
- Veteran benefits counseling and claims management
- Federal and state VA regulations
- Client advocacy and case management
- HIPAA compliance and confidentiality
- Emotional support and crisis intervention
- Community outreach and resource coordination
- Interagency collaboration
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Youth mentorship and development
- Military leadership and team coordination
- Emergency response and crisis management
- Scheduling, organization, and multitasking
- Physical fitness and mental resilience
- Weapons operation and safety compliance
References
- Courtney Scott, Big Buddy Relationship Team Manager, (708) 692-2440, courtneys@bigbuddyprogram.org
- Mario Aybar, USMC Team Leader, (978) 337-2119, Marioaaybar1@gmail.com
- Jeremy Lee, USMC Intelligence Specialist, (225) 287-3521, Jeremylee84@yahoo.com
- Lawrence Robertson, Ex Supervisor, (225) 771-9404, Lawrencebernard19@gmail.com
- Michael Wilson, Veteran Affairs, (225) 644-7475, Michael.Wilson4@la.gov
Timeline
VETERAN ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
10.2024 - Current
VOLUNTEER MENTOR / CIRCLE MENTOR
BIG BUDDY PROGRAM
12.2023 - 02.2024
ORDER SELECTOR / PALLET JACK OPERATOR
MARTIN BROWER
09.2019 - 02.2020
RIFLEMAN / TEAM LEADER / SQUAD LEADER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
06.2014 - 08.2018
Business Administration -
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
High School -
PORT ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL
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