VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR

Arizona Department of Administration • Sierra Vista, AZ

4d • $21 • Remote

About The Position

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps veterans thrive? At the
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS), we are committed to serving and
honoring veterans, service members, and their families by ensuring that they
receive the highest quality services so that they can thrive for a lifetime!

We are looking for an outstanding Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC). This
integral position provides in-person and virtual counseling services to service
members, veterans, eligible dependents and their survivors to ensure receipt of
federal and state veteran benefits.

Your rewards:
• Incomparable Benefits: Our program provides the opportunity to receive a
pension and healthcare benefits for a lifetime!
• Meaningful Work: Your dedication will directly enhance the lives of veterans
and their family members, providing them with the care and respect that they
deserve.
• Professional Growth: You will have the opportunity to engage in continuous
learning and improvement through the Arizona Management System (AMS).

Your contribution:
• Outstanding Service: Provide world-class assistance to veterans to improve
their quality of life
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in facility meetings, training sessions,
and the implementation of the Arizona Management System (AMS) to achieve
continuous improvement and efficiency
• Team Collaboration: You will become a benefits subject matter expert (SME),
improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon
the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance
measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees
flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and
commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program
and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling
spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona
unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Interviewing/counseling techniques
• Community resources for veteran referrals
• Needs and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veterans
• Judicial matters (appeals, hearings) as they relate to the VA
• Business English, including proper use of spelling and grammar
• Skill in: Effective written and verbal communications
• Planning, organizing, and time management
• Using a laptop computer and associated software( e.g. Google Suites, email, etc.)
• Composing general correspondence, including proper formatting
• Ability to: Learn and apply Title 38 U.S.C. and Veterans Administration regulations and manuals, policies and procedures to claims
• Learn and apply other federal, state and local programs, as well as military specific programs to claims
• Provide quality customer service
• Be patient and compassionate when interacting with clients and staff
• Learn proprietary database programs pertinent to assignment
• Speak professionally in the community regarding agency services and promote public
• The ability to obtain accreditation by the VA and certified proficient by the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services within six (6) months from the date of hire, and thereafter obtain accreditation with the American Legion. Accreditation must be maintained through continuing education classes and conferences. Recertification is required every five (5) years.
• Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain an acceptable driving record and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11.)
• Ability to pass an extensive background investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the ability to obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card through the VA.

Nice To Haves

• Due to the nature of the position, preference will be given to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have a military discharge under honorable conditions.

Responsibilities

• Trains and becomes accredited by the Veterans Administration (VA) within six months of hire
• Conducts in person or virtual interviews and counsels clients regarding a variety of veteran related benefit entitlements under current federal and state law
• Assists clients with accurately completing benefit forms, gathering supporting documents, and submitting to the VA in a timely manner
• Monitors claims through utilizing VA and other computer databases
• Reviews claim files after a VA rating action to determine VA's compliance with current laws, rules, and regulations as outlined in U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decisions, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal resources
• Examines medical information including, but not limited to service medical records (SMR's), physical examinations, hospital reports, and post-operative reports, and compares the degree of residual disability with VA assignment for accuracy
• Initiates formal appellant proceedings and/or otherwise advises claimants to take specific action to obtain a proper rating, as necessary
• Creates and maintains electronic client records and uploads documents into client files
• Prepares reports as requested by supervisor
• Attends all required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditation
• Attends meetings with various VA and State personnel to keep abreast of policy changes and to offer input for process improvements
• Participates in community outreach activities to engage service members, veterans, their family members, and citizens to disseminate information and offer agency services and referrals (Driving on state business with occasional over night or longer stays may be required.)

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees