Transition Assistance Specialist...have you heard of this position? Any networking advice?

2015-05-27T15:45:47-04:00

I have got a new position as the Oregon national guard transition assistance specialist. I help soldiers with education benefits and their employment needs. Is there anyone out there that has a similar position? If so do you have any advice on networking or what resources I will need to help out the soldiers that come to me for aid?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-05-27T15:46:55-04:00

As a specialist? Nice. Good luck.

add more tags, like 'education', 'employment', etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-05-27T16:04:37-04:00

Be knowledgeable in:

TRICARE
Veterans Affairs and State Directors of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services Organizations
State Headquarters groups (Family Support, Chaplains Offices, Department of Labor, and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR))

Know you position in and out, know it better than the next person, people are depending you not only for answers but to point them in the right direction. For those in transition, this is a time of uncertainty. If you have any personal experiences or someone has shared experiences with you regarding VA benefits, share those, every situation is different.

Soak up knowledge, the better you are, the better you are able to assist those folks. Pick those SME's brains, ask questions.

Do right great things in your new position! :)

Response by SGT James Elphick made May 27 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-05-27T16:58:47-04:00

Network with local veterans organizations to refer transitioning soldiers too. Talk to the schools in your area and get to know their Veterans Services department. Talk to community organizations that help with resume writing and interviewing (i.e. Goodwill). Also if soldiers find themselves in need of financial assistance find organizations that have the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made May 27 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-05-27T17:01:13-04:00

We have a dozen folks with the position of "Veteran Transition Specialist" - I suggest connecting with some of them perhaps?

https://www.rallypoint.com/positions/veteran-transition-specialist/followers

Here are a few: CPO Pete Pringle, PO1 Eric Wooten, CPT Matt Korth

Veteran Transition Specialist | RallyPoint

Veteran Transition Specialist

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made May 27 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-05-27T23:29:27-04:00

Oh lord, I don't mean to sound negative, but how exactly are you going to be a 'Transition Assistance Specialist' if you don't know how you are supposed to help transitioning Soldiers? Is this a civilian position or a military position? This is one of the most important jobs, transitioning SM's are coming to you, the SME, and expect you to be able to assist them. Coming from a transitioning Soldier, this is not a 'check box' type of thing. I am not trying to beat you up, I am sure you are quite capable to learning all there is to learn, but you should of had training before being put into that position. The ebenefits website has a ton of information...just make sure that if you answer a SM's question, make sure you have verified it to be accurate. Your position is not one for the "well I think so" or "that is what I was told" answers.