Veterans Benefits Counselor I

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Oakland County is seeking a compassionate and motivated Veterans Benefits Counselor to help veterans and their families navigate the benefits they've earned through military service. In this rewarding role, you'll provide expert guidance, advocate on behalf of veterans, and assist with claims and appeals while helping individuals access federal, state, local, and community resources. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by ensuring veterans and their dependents receive the support, services, and benefits they deserve.

Requirements

Possess an Associate's degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college with a major in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration or closely related field; AND Have two (2) years full-time work experience providing counseling in a public setting; OR Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration or closely related field.
Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical established for this classification.
Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( http://naces.org/members.html ).
The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.
Applicants be veterans of the United States Armed Forces and have a discharge under honorable conditions from their last period of service.
Reasonable ability to communicate with the general public.
Reasonable ability to relate to the problems often realized by veterans in comprehending and securing available veterans' benefits and opportunities.
Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Reasonable ability to prepare and process routine reports.
Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental practices and procedures.
Reasonable ability to use office equipment.
Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
Some knowledge of modern office and record keeping practices and procedures.
Some knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations regarding veterans' benefits.
Some knowledge of basic interviewing principles.
Some ability to understand medical statements.

Responsibilities

Counsel veterans and their dependents on available federal, state, local, and community benefits and resources
Prepare, submit, and advocate for veterans' benefit claims and appeals with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies
Review medical documentation and supporting evidence to strengthen disability compensation and other benefit claims
Research and interpret changes to veterans' laws, regulations, and benefit programs to ensure accurate guidance
Communicate with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, military organizations, healthcare providers, and other agencies on behalf of veterans
Educate veterans and their families about available programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes
Maintain accurate case records and documentation while ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance
Utilize County technology and department software to manage cases, prepare reports, and support daily operations
Advises veterans and/or their families regarding the services and benefits available to them through the Veterans Services Division and/or refers them to the proper outside agencies when applicable.
Interviews, counsels, and assists veterans/dependents in filing their applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, insurance benefits, financial relief applications and other veterans’ benefits.
Participates in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims for veterans/dependents before the Federal, State, and local governments.
Maintains current list of supportive and community services in order to refer and provide additional assistance for claimants.
Monitors changes in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and applicable legislation in order to properly advise clients regarding benefits and services available.
Corresponds with appropriate agencies in order to secure affidavits, certificates, and other required papers to properly submit necessary documentation for clients to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.
Monitors progress and accuracy of the adjudication process of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State and local agencies.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Acts as an advocate on behalf of veterans and their dependents.
Researches federal, state and local laws and regulations and assists with interpreting their effect on benefits which veterans/dependents may be entitled to receive.