VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR - YAVAPAI

Arizona Department of Administration • Prescott, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC) provides counseling and assistance to service members, veterans, and eligible dependents so they can access federal and state veterans’ benefits. The counselor conducts in-person or virtual interviews, helps clients prepare and submit benefit claims, tracks claims through the VA process, and reviews VA rating actions and supporting medical information for accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role may also initiate appeals or advise claimants on actions needed to obtain a proper rating.

The position maintains electronic client files, prepares reports, attends required training and meetings, and participates in community outreach. The counselor must obtain VA accreditation within six months of hire and maintain required accreditations through continuing education. Driving on state business, including occasional overnight or longer stays, may be required. Remote work within Arizona may be available based on department needs and performance; remote work is a management option and may be discontinued.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain VA accreditation and Arizona Department of Veterans Services proficiency certification within six months of hire, and thereafter obtain American Legion accreditation; maintain accreditation through continuing education and conferences, with recertification every five years.
• Possess and maintain a current, valid state-issued driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and complete required driver training when applicable.
• Pass an extensive Department of Veterans Affairs background investigation and obtain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques, community resources for veteran referrals, the needs and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veterans, judicial matters related to VA appeals and hearings, and business English.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, planning, organizing, time management, using a laptop and associated software, and composing properly formatted correspondence.
• Ability to learn and apply Title 38 U.S.C., VA regulations and manuals, policies and procedures, and other federal, state, local, and military-specific programs to claims.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, interact patiently and compassionately, learn relevant proprietary database programs, speak professionally in the community, maintain confidentiality, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Applicants must be located within a 50-mile radius of Prescott, Arizona.

Nice To Haves

• Preference is given to qualified U.S. Armed Forces veterans with an honorable military discharge.

Responsibilities

• Obtain Veterans Administration accreditation within six months of hire and attend required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditation.
• Conduct in-person or virtual interviews and counsel clients about federal and state veterans’ benefit entitlements.
• Help clients accurately complete benefit forms, collect supporting documents, and submit claims to the VA in a timely manner.
• Monitor claims through the VA process using VA and other computer databases.
• Review claim files after VA rating actions for compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and decisions.
• Examine medical information, including service medical records, physical examinations, hospital reports, and post-operative reports, and compare residual disability with the VA’s assignment for accuracy.
• Initiate formal appellant proceedings or advise claimants on specific actions needed to obtain a proper rating.
• Create and maintain electronic client records and upload documents into client files.
• Prepare reports as requested by the supervisor.
• Attend meetings with VA and state personnel to stay current on policy changes and contribute to process improvements.
• Participate in community outreach to share information and provide agency services and referrals to service members, veterans, family members, and the public.
• Drive on state business, including occasional overnight or longer stays, as required.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation and 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Arizona State Retirement System retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional short-term disability insurance
• Optional deferred compensation plans
• Optional supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed