Veterans Benefits Counselor - Yavapai

Arizona Department of Administration • Prescott, AZ

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services is hiring a Veterans Benefits Counselor for the Northern Arizona Region. Applicants must live within 50 miles of Prescott, Arizona. The position provides counseling to service members, veterans, and eligible dependents to help them obtain federal and state veterans’ benefits. It may offer remote work within Arizona, subject to business needs and continued achievement of performance measures; remote work arrangements are subject to management approval and may be changed by the agency.

The counselor interviews clients in person or virtually, helps them prepare and submit claims, tracks claims through the VA process, and reviews VA decisions and medical records for accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role also involves maintaining electronic client records, advising clients about appeals when needed, participating in community outreach, meetings, and training, and traveling on state business, occasionally with overnight or longer stays.

The employee must obtain VA accreditation within six months of hire, become certified proficient by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, and subsequently obtain American Legion accreditation. Accreditation must be maintained through ongoing education, with recertification every five years. The position requires a valid state-issued driver’s license, an extensive VA background investigation, and the ability to obtain a VA Personal Identity Verification card. Newly hired state employees must complete E-Verify.

Requirements

• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques, community resources for veteran referrals, and the needs and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veterans.
• Knowledge of judicial matters related to the VA, including appeals and hearings, and of business English, spelling, and grammar.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Planning, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to use a laptop and associated software, including Google Suites and email, and to compose 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, speak professionally in the community, maintain confidentiality, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to learn proprietary database programs relevant to the assignment.
• Obtain VA accreditation and Arizona Department of Veterans Services proficiency certification within six months of hire; thereafter obtain American Legion accreditation and maintain accreditation through continuing education. Recertification is required every five years.
• Possess and maintain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license and an acceptable driving record; complete required driver training.
• Pass an extensive VA background investigation and obtain a VA Personal Identity Verification card.
• Complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Applicants must be located within a 50-mile radius of Prescott, Arizona.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Train and obtain Veterans Administration accreditation within six months of hire.
• Conduct in-person or virtual interviews and counsel clients about federal and state veterans’ benefit entitlements.
• Help clients complete benefit forms accurately, gather supporting documentation, 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 following VA rating actions to assess compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and relevant decisions.
• Examine medical information and compare residual disability with VA assignments for accuracy.
• Initiate formal appeals or advise claimants on actions needed to obtain a proper rating, as necessary.
• Create and maintain electronic client records and upload documents to client files.
• Prepare reports as requested by the supervisor.
• Attend required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditation.
• Attend meetings with VA and State personnel to stay current on policy changes and offer process-improvement input.
• Participate in community outreach to share information and provide agency services and referrals.
• Drive on state business, with occasional overnight or longer stays potentially required.
• Provide customer service with patience, compassion, confidentiality, and minimal supervision.

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
• Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System, with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of employment
• 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