Jim Fuchuck
Millcreek,UT
Summary
Experienced with veteran benefits administration and client support. Utilizes strong case management skills to provide comprehensive assistance to veterans. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and ability to navigate complex systems effectively.
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.
Reliable Veterans Service Representative familiar with federal veterans programs, legal terminology and state laws affecting veterans. Offering 14 years of hands-on experience advising veterans on matters pertaining to entitlement of benefits. Skillful in preparing claims, obtaining supporting documents and evidence and performing investigations to determine eligibility. Friendly and compassionate professional with positive attitude and strong customer service skills.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Service Representative Authorizer
Department of Veteran Affairs
03.2018 - Current
- As a Veterans Service Representative and Authorizer I've analyzed and made the final determination of the competency of veterans and other VA beneficiaries and provides the final notification of the determination. Daily I generate the award for the retroactive payment release, once a fiduciary is established, as well as other award actions needed by the Fiduciary Program. Authorizes, reviews and approves the pending award action for technical accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness. Insures that estate protection is in place, when appropriate, before releasing large retroactive payments and in other cases where the VA beneficiary's funds may not be adequately protected. Prepares Statements of the Case (SOC) on Veteran Service Center and sometimes Fiduciary Program appeals. Having many years experience in the Veteran Service Center I should be excellent at providing training to other members of the Fiduciary Hub, VARO employees, service organization personnel, and other stakeholders, as needed. Daily I utilize various electronic data processing (EDP) systems for processing, monitoring, and correspondence preparation. Frequently I communicate directly with VA beneficiaries, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates to explain the full range of VA benefits and all related programs. Gives final approval of accounts received from guardians, attorneys, legal custodians, or chief officers of state institutions except those showing a major account deficiency which cannot be remedied by correspondence. As a Veteran Service representative I gained experience with some fiduciaries of regulations, necessary documentation and other factors which affect computation of income for VA purposes. Prepares reports for guardians in those cases in which VA is rendering legal services. Refers to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), accounts in which there is a possible indication of fraud, embezzlement or other criminal offense.
- Salary $83,500 Bi-weekly
- Supervisor name Brandon Chavez
- 801-682-6805
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veteran Affairs
05.2014 - 03.2018
- As a Veterans Service Representative I have the privilege of working Veterans claims. As a result I am an expert in in the application of pertinent laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to Veterans benefits programs. This includes the ability to read, understand and interpret legal and medical terminology. These skills make me a perfect candidate for the Congressional Liaison Position. Everyday, I communicate both orally and in writing with Veterans, their advocates, and co-workers from a variety of backgrounds to acquire proper documentation and resolve any issues associated with facilitating a Veterans claim. Daily I participate in the claims processing in order to assist in the completion of pending developmental actions. I then work collaboratively with other members of my work team to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of the claim. I also determine the priority of cases in which they will be worked and take initiative in resolving cases and work for timely and accurate response and ensures that work is properly counted and controlled. Daily I ensure all program requirements imposed by VBA Compensation, Fiduciary and Pension Services are met and implemented. Also it is my responsibility to notify my supervisor and sometimes the claimant once all corrective actions have been taken on a claim. I discuss problem cases and VBA benefits with Congressional aides, Fid Hub Managers and other division chiefs of the Salt Lake City Regional Office. Specific Duties: Assists in analyzing and developing claims to make determinations regarding service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation, pension and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, adaptive equipment for, automobiles or other conveyances, insurance, specialty adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits. Monitor work for timely and accurate response and ensures that work is properly counted and controlled. Serves as a decision maker for claims involving preparation for rating decisions. Reconciles differences of opinions in utilizing the 38 CFR index, M21-1MR, and Web Automated Reference Material System. Ensure all program requirements imposed by Compensation, Fiduciary and Pension Services are met and implemented. Routinely process claims in order to assist in the completion of pending developmental actions. Process claims in order to assist in the completion of pending developmental actions. Demonstrate ability to problem solve and work under stressful conditions. This includes the ability to work under time pressure, while maintaining self-control.
- $57,750.00 Bi-weekly
- Supervisor name Spencer Anderson
- Supervisor phone 801-326-2463
- Federal position Yes
- Pay scale General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.).
- Series Veterans Claims Examining
- Grade 10
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Legal Administrative Specialist
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2012 - 05.2014
- It is my honor to speak with Veterans and their family members everyday. I wear many hats in this position and through my daily interactions with Veterans I have gained a broad based knowledge of VA, its programs and procedures. In this position it is imperative that I establish relationships with Veterans and stakeholders, earn their trust and then effectively present all of their options. I initiate claims, perform inquiries, and orally communicate the status of a claim or appeal. This position has also helped me gain a working knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, regulations, forms and procedures concerning benefits administered by the VA. In many instances I act as an advocate for Veterans, fiduciary's and their beneficiaries in their dealings with other VA elements and organizations that affect their claims. Frequently I have assignments that are related to claims or benefits processing or eligibility determinations. I regularly assist with the interpretation of laws, rules, and/or regulations and the analysis of documents to determine eligibility for benefits; quality assurance or auditor duties. It is a fast paced environment that requires superior oral communication and written communication skills as well as quick decision making. Although I am not an adjudicator I do possess the ability to make quasi-legal decisions. Responsible for written or verbal responses to Veterans, co-workers, supervisors and make recommendations to improve our processes. I also have contact with fiduciary's and beneficiaries in order for Veteran's to have the supervision of the Fiduciary and Field Examination unit. My contact with the Fiduciary Hub allows me to help Veteran's and their fiduciary's get in touch with representatives who may respond to all correspondence pertaining to individual estate supervision which does not require the professional services of District Counsel and other duties directly related to these. I posses many skills using computer software programs and applications because of my frequent use of them. I have knowledge of bookkeeping and understand accounting terminology and associated formats. Other duties, related skills and accomplishments: training and supervisory call management, data collection, interpreting analysis and follow up reports on call content. I posses the ability to interpret and analyze material and make well-justified decisions from the analysis. I also ensure all program requirements imposed by Compensation and Fiduciary and Pension Services are met and implemented. I also observe the claims processing process, in order to communicate the completion of pending developmental actions to Veterans. I must also use the ability to determine priorities and successfully balance conflicting demands to ensure daily success. In this job I utilize various electronic data processing (EDP) systems for inputting data related to claims adjudication, processing, monitoring, and correspondence preparation. My past media/promotions/marketing and on-air background allow me to perform several collateral duties as well. I serve on the strategic communications committee and advise our outreach specialist on news media interviews, media buying, social media strategy and story concept to full development. I just recently produced and edited a public service announcement. I was responsible for all of the technical aspects and entire visual content of the piece to include: logging, writing, video editing, and sound. On a personal note: I enjoy working with others in a team environment and I feel I have excelled in this capacity.
- $40,000.00 Per Year
- Supervisor name Ron Goddard
- Supervisor phone 801-708-8001
- Federal position Yes
- Pay scale General Schedule (Ch. 51, 5 U.S.C.).
- Series Government Information Specialist
- Grade 5
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Call Center Customer Service Specialist/Account Executive
Vivint
04.2011 - 07.2012
- Used written and oral communication to explain the complexities and nuances of our home protection packages in order to convince customers to buy Vivint. It is not always easy considering our competition, but by helping them research and analyze our different options to find the right fit for their family, the end result is a satisfied customer. I used a vast knowledge of laws, rules and regulations of local and national home security specifications and codes. In order to succeed at this position one must be organized and be an excellent communicator. You have to be able to establish relationships with people from varying backgrounds and experiences. I would monitor our work for timely and accurate response and ensures that our work is properly counted and controlled. Many of our customers also have varying levels of home protection knowledge so it was my job to communicate in a clear, concise and easily understandable verbal manner. Once the sale is made and questions are identified, my job didn't stop there. I continued to be an advocate to ensure our new clients were happy. I also filed in depth reports on how the client feels about our product so I could analyze that data and other trends. Continued correspondence is key in diagnosing any problems with the installation or the system itself. I would categorize the clients that I had contact with into a book keeping system in order to have a working history of different client and was responsible for written or verbal responses to customer inquiries and making recommendations to improve our processes.This involved heavy use of written communication skills. Responsible for written or verbal responses to customer inquiries and making recommendations to improve our processes. I ensured all program requirements imposed by Vivint were met and implemented. Orally communicating the value of a Vivint system to the customer made me one of the top account executives every month while I was there. A large part of my success at this position was my ability to work well with others in a team environment as there were eight of us on a sales team. Daily, I determined priorities while balancing conflicting demands of the client, our product availability and our installation team. . Most importantly, you must be flexible when dealing with many different types of personalities and it is OK to show your passion for protecting clients homes and lives!
- $45,000.00 Per Year
- Trent Miller
- Supervisor phone 801-372-1697
- Federal position No
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Call Center Account Manager
Clear Link
05.2010 - 03.2011
- This job required effective oral communication regarding the benefits of buying media products from an authorized retailer (ie: Direct TV or Comcast Cable). In order to succeed at this position the customer service agent must be able to establish relationships with people to find the best fit for the client. Verbal communication skills and people skills are a must along with incredible patience and tact as you explain the rules, regulations and cancellation policies. This last step is key in limiting bill inquiries and problems in the future. This position made me excellent at analyzing different services to better help the customer in their decision making process. A happy customer is one that hangs up with all of his/her questions answered. The job also involved problem solving, trouble-shooting and determining daily priorities. Categorizing complaints, generating reports on products, analyzing purchasing data and staying organized was a must!
- $38,000.00 Per Year
- Supervisor name Charles Martinez
- Supervisor phone 801-824-0863
- Federal position No
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Executive Producer/On-Air Host/Promotions Director
Simmons Media
10.2006 - 07.2008
- While working for Simmons Media I had three jobs. I was Executive Producer, On-Air Media Talk Show Host and Promotions Director. My main job was to write, edit, produce and communicate orally under stressful deadline pressure. I had to do research for interviews, communicate with my guests, analyze information and make quick decisions on the fly before and during my show. I also had to be able to edit sound, fast! I had a lot of complex content coming in at one time and it was my job to log it, organize it all, and extract only the most important facts by analyzing the content. There is no bluffing through a live four hour show, you have to know your details and deliver them in a clear concise, understandable manner. I also had to answer live calls on the show and establish relationships with people from different backgrounds. Keeping it light, engaging, informative and fun was a welcome challenge everyday. My time as Executive Producer and Promotions Director have definitely honed my people skills. I’m a great listener, and a great educator. I pride myself on problem solving, staying organized, and staying task oriented. I was also on a strict budget and had to keep a full accounting of money spent. Because I had a yearly budget to work with having knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting terminology, and associated formats and methodologies were an asset. Frequently I adjusted fund allowances and approved expenditures. It was my responsibility to represent my organization to the community in the most positive light through compelling sound, written and oral communication. As a Promotions Director it was imperative that I posses the ability to interpret and analyze material and make well-justified decisions from the analysis. Because our promotions involved the use of laws I would analyze our investments and our advise attorney's about our promotional details. The position required me to make quasi-legal decisions and even advise District/Probate Court accordingly. I also worked with our conservators and trust officers. Skills in using computer software programs and applications were a must. I also use the ability to determine priorities and successfully balance conflicting demands to ensure daily success. Originality and flexibility were key. Also live reporting skills are imperative.
- $45,000.00 Per Year
- Average hours per week 40
- May we contact your supervisor Alan Hague
- 801-325-3126
- Federal position No
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Executive Producer/On-Air Host/Promotions Director
Citadel Broadcasting
09.2004 - 09.2006
- As Executive Producer, Promotions Director and on air talent for 1320 KFAN I found myself extremely busy in multiple roles everyday. I had to constantly analyze incoming content, sift through it and be able to concisely report it to my audience in an understandable verbal and written manor. I had to be organized, flexible and able to make quick decisions under intense deadline pressure. As executive producer I directed, reported, produced, prepared written scripts, interviewed guests and hosted live sports shows every day for external audiences. I also had to edit my own sound. It required oral communication expertise and a thorough knowledge of a complex process. I also had to be constantly monitoring and updating data simultaneously. I would answer listener questions, mediate differing opinions while all the while keeping in mind my audience's varied backgrounds and interests. Every day you meet and talk to someone new, and immediately develop a working relationship. Above all else you must be accurate, tactful and trustworthy in educating our internal and external audiences. As an On-Air host, Promotions Director and an Executive Producer you have to be a good listener, planner, problem solver and exceptional team leader. As Promotions Director I had a yearly budget to work with. I found that having knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting terminology, and associated formats and methodologies were very beneficial. I had to be excellent at bookkeeping and accounting. I had a limited budget for expenditures and equipment and always had to provide a full accounting of my money. Frequently I adjusted fund allowances and approved our expenditures. Because our promotions involved the use of laws I would analyze our investments and advise attorney's about our promotions. The position required me to make quasi-legal decisions and even advise District/Probate Court accordingly. I also worked with conservators and trust officers. Skills in using computer software programs and applications were a must. I also use the ability to determine priorities and successfully balance conflicting demands to ensure daily success.
- $60,000.00 Per Year
- Supervisor name Jeff Austin
- Supervisor phone 503-535-0363
- Federal position No
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Account Executive
Clear Channel Broadcasting
06.2003 - 06.2004
- As an account executive for a major radio group my job was to build working relationships and satisfy individual client needs while working within budget constraints. My job was to play accountant and advocate for my clients to get their message across with, at times, very limited resources. Through written and oral communication I would research, organize, interpret and explain complex demographic data on a daily basis to ensure they were reaching their target audience. I had to follow specific guidelines, regulations and procedures and in many cases had to educate others on those procedures walking customers through contracts and processes step by step. My clients all had different goals and different agendas, but mine was always the same I wanted happy customers. I feel if you take initiative and believe in what you are doing you can never fail. It was a necessity to have skills in using computer software programs and applications. Every day I communicated orally and in writing.
- $50,000.00 Per Year
- Supervisor name Stu Stanek
- 801-908-1300
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Sports Director-Weekend Anchor
WQAD-TV
11.1995 - 04.1997
- I was a one-man band, meaning, I did it all. Responsible for shooting, logging, editing (traditional analog), writing and presenting stories for television. This position was also responsible for the full spectrum of audiovisual production support responsibilities including: production assistance, media duplication, audio recording, editing assistance and camera operation. I also organized my own archive system to include labeling and digitizing stock footage and master videotapes. I was editor, producer and director of my entire sports cast on a daily basis. It was my responsibility to represent my organization to the community in the most positive light through compelling sound, written and oral communication. As a sports director it was imperative that I posses the ability to interpret and analyze material and make well-justified decisions from the analysis. I was responsible for a yearly sports budget to work with having knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting terminology, and associated formats and methodologies were a must. Frequently I adjusted fund allowances and approved expenditures. Because our sports department put on many live broad cast and contest I had to be familiar with the rules and law governing broadcasting. I would analyze investments and advise our attorney's about our broadcast and contest details. Skill in using computer software programs and applications were a must. I had to have the ability to communicate in writing and orally.
- $32,000.00 Per Year
- Average hours per week 50
- Jim Turpin
- 309-764-8888
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Sports Reporter/Anchor
KMOT-TV
08.1994 - 11.1995
- Responsible for shooting, editing, writing and presenting stories for broadcast. Expertise in linear and non-linear video tape editing to include Avid non-linear editing software. Daily duties also included: digitizing raw footage, studio setup, camera, lighting and audio systems setup. Knowledge of studio lighting, chyron character generators, still store teleprompter, graphics, and library archive system. It was my responsibility to represent my organization to the community in the most positive light through compelling sound, written and oral communication. As a sports director it was imperative that I posses the ability to interpret and analyze material and make well-justified decisions from the analysis. I was responsible for a yearly sports budget to work with having knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting terminology, and associated formats and methodologies were a must. Frequently I adjusted fund allowances and approved expenditures. It was a necessity to be familiar with board cast laws and regulations given the volume of live broad cast and contest that I involved in. Daily I would analyze our department's schedule and advise our attorney's about our broadcast and contest. Skill in using computer software programs and applications were a must. I had to have the ability to communicate in writing and orally.
- $20,000.00 Per Year
- Supervisor name Jon Hegre
- Supervisor phone 701-852-4101
- Federal position No
- Duties, accomplishments, and related skills
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO05-1994
High School Diploma -
Fairview High School
Boulder, CO06-1988
Skills
- Disability evaluation
- Claims processing
- Benefits administration
- Regulations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Relationship building
Timeline
Veterans Service Representative Authorizer
Department of Veteran Affairs
03.2018 - Current
Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veteran Affairs
05.2014 - 03.2018
Legal Administrative Specialist
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2012 - 05.2014
Call Center Customer Service Specialist/Account Executive
Vivint
04.2011 - 07.2012
Call Center Account Manager
Clear Link
05.2010 - 03.2011
Executive Producer/On-Air Host/Promotions Director
Simmons Media
10.2006 - 07.2008
Executive Producer/On-Air Host/Promotions Director
Citadel Broadcasting
09.2004 - 09.2006
Account Executive
Clear Channel Broadcasting
06.2003 - 06.2004
Sports Director-Weekend Anchor
WQAD-TV
11.1995 - 04.1997
Sports Reporter/Anchor
KMOT-TV
08.1994 - 11.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Northern Colorado
High School Diploma -
Fairview High School
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