Victor Somoza
Huntley,IL
Summary
Reliable Veterans Service Representative familiar with federal veterans programs, legal terminology and state laws affecting veterans. Offering 9 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
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Service Officer
Boone County Veterans Assistance Commission
Belvidere, IL
02.2024 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving service-related issues.
- Streamlined service processes for increased efficiency and improved customer experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement service improvement initiatives.
- Provided exceptional customer support, leading to increased client retention and loyalty.
Assistant Superintendent
McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Conducted in-person and telephone interviews with veterans and advocates to explain benefits and related programs.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Promoted a supportive environment for clients by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and patience during difficult conversations or situations.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client needs, developing customized plans to address barriers to success effectively.
- Analyzed claims to determine percentage of disability, permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance expectations.
- Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, and data entry for increased efficiency.
Veterans Service Officer
McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission
10.2017 - 09.2022
- Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
- Connected Veterans with valuable resources, promoting self-sufficiency and successful transitions to civilian life.
- Advocated on behalf of clients during disputes or challenges related to benefits access or eligibility status changes.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Prepared written appeals for claimants not satisfied with rating board decisions and presented arguments before hearing officers and federal government boards.
- Assisted veterans and dependents in preparing forms and documents to present claims for benefits.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Maintained detailed records of client interactions for seamless coordination between team members and partner agencies.
- Effectively managed caseloads while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction and ensuring all pertinent deadlines were met in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with fellow Veteran Representatives to share best practices and improve service delivery.
- Reviewed and requested medical records, military personnel records and service verification records to determine eligibility status.
- Educated Veterans about their rights and available resources, empowering informed decisionmaking.
- Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
- Developed comprehensive case files for each client, ensuring accurate tracking of progress and needs.
VA BENEFITS COUNSELOR/INTERN
College of Lake County
01.2015 - 10.2017
- Dedicated VA Benefits Counselor who is well-versed in the laws and procedures of the Veterans Administration, specifically the Veterans Benefits Administration
- Adept at filing the proper paperwork on behalf of veterans, communicating educational options to veterans and their families, and making sure that each case is completed before being certified on VA Once
- Specializes in VA Education Benefits.
TEAM LEADER
United States Army
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Held full responsibility for 12 man Automatic Weapons Squad
- Supervised performance of team members, interceded as necessary to resolve problems, and delivered training on improving efficiencies and knowledge on heavy weapons systems
- Maintained personal rapport and win-win relationships with local nationals.
BRADLEY GUNNER
United States Army
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Oversaw all aspects of mounted operations within the Bradley Fighting Vehicle
- Worked diligently with a 3 man team resulting in successful qualification of a Bradley Gunnery Table.
Education
VSO Accreditation
National Association of County Veterans Service Of
03.2018
Associate Of Business Administration - Business
College of Lake County
05.2017
Skills
- Budget Oversight
- Team Collaboration
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Client Advocacy
- Burial Benefits Expertise
- Referral Coordination
- Data Entry Efficiency
- Disability Compensation Understanding
- Claims Processing
- Critical thinking abilities
- Pension Program Familiarity
- Claims Processing Expertise
- Veteran Benefits Knowledge
- Education Benefits Proficiency
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Relationship Building
- Microsoft Office
- Excellent Communication
- Public Speaking
- Team Management
- Project Planning
Affiliations
National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
Disabled American Veterans
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Timeline
Veterans Service Officer
Boone County Veterans Assistance Commission
02.2024 - Current
Assistant Superintendent
McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission
09.2022 - 02.2024
Veterans Service Officer
McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission
10.2017 - 09.2022
VA BENEFITS COUNSELOR/INTERN
College of Lake County
01.2015 - 10.2017
TEAM LEADER
United States Army
01.2012 - 01.2015
BRADLEY GUNNER
United States Army
01.2005 - 01.2012
VSO Accreditation
National Association of County Veterans Service Of
Associate Of Business Administration - Business
College of Lake County