Okaloosa County BOCC — July 26, 2016 — Veteran Services PBB

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA SERVICE AREA: ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: VETERANS SERVICES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To provide professional and courteous service to all Veterans and their families consequently improving their quality of life. REVENUE: Veterans Services is funded within the General Fund. Supporting revenue of the General Fund are ad valorem taxes, communications service tax, local business tax, permits and fees, state shared revenue, charges for services, judgments and fines, miscellaneous revenue and transfers from other funds. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR:  Streamlined our services to ensure Veterans and their families are receiving their benefits as quickly. This includes using the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) process whenever possible. A Fully Developed Claim can be adjudicated within 3-6 month’s vs. a tradition claim process which takes up to 18-24 months.  Met all security requirements and maintained accreditations for new procedures implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs to access their Veterans database system. This allows the Veterans Service Officer and Veterans Counselor to verify, review and print documents from the claimant claims folder upon request for property exemptions, taxes, income verifications, and other needs.  Revised documentation to improve training and workshops with Assisted Living Facilities, Health and Rehabilitation Facilities (Nursing Homes) and Home Health Care Agencies Staff. These procedures ensure that timely claims are filed to obtain financial assistance for those who qualify.  Scheduled and coordinated transportation for 90 veterans to the Pensacola VA Medical Facility who has no alternative means to get to appointments. This program is successful due to coordination with volunteer van drivers.  Provided assistance and information to 46 Veterans during the Annual Homeless Stand Down. PROGRAM GOAL: The goal of the Okaloosa County Veterans Affairs Department purpose is aid and assist any Veteran or Veteran’s dependents in presenting claims for and securing such compensation, benefits, and privileges to which they are or may become entitled under any federal or state law or regulation by reason of the Veteran’s service in the Armed Forces of the United States. The offices coordinate and disseminate information on federal, state, county and private veterans’ programs and benefits KEY OBJECTIVES: 1. To effectively and efficiently respond to all client requests 2. Serve all veterans/dependents including shut-ins, assisted care facilities, incarcerated & homeless veterans 3. To maintain an acceptable dollar return to the County from claims submitted for Federal and State benefits 4. Maintain client support and ensure critical needs are met  PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Actual Estimated Proposed Performance Measures FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 Number of Client Contacts (in-offices, phones, email, mail) 9,100 7,800 8,000 Number of outreach contacts including shut-ins, assisted Output care facilities, incarcerated, homeless veterans & veteran 97 150 120 briefings Number of Veterans in Okaloosa County1 32,208 32,731 32,731 Percentage of claims filed in office with one office visit 90% 88% 89% with one-on-one c