Veterans Benefits Counselor - Yavapai

Arizona Department of Administration•Prescott, AZ

2d•$21•Hybrid

About The Position

The Veterans Benefits Counselor provides counseling services to service members, veterans, and eligible dependents to help ensure they receive federal and state veterans’ benefits. The position serves clients in the Northern Arizona Region; applicants must live within 50 miles of Prescott, Arizona. Remote work within Arizona may be available based on agency business needs and continued achievement of performance measures. Remote work is a management option and may be ended at the agency’s discretion. The counselor conducts in-person or virtual interviews, assists clients with claims and supporting documentation, monitors claims through the VA process, and reviews rating decisions for compliance and accuracy. The role also involves maintaining electronic client records, supporting appeals when needed, completing required training and accreditation, participating in meetings and community outreach, and driving on state business, sometimes with overnight or longer stays. The position requires obtaining VA accreditation and Arizona Department of Veterans Services proficiency certification within six months of hire, maintaining accreditation through continuing education, and obtaining American Legion accreditation. Employees must maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license, pass a VA background investigation, and obtain a VA Personal Identity Verification card. The stated salary is $21.2274 per hour.

Requirements

Ability to obtain VA accreditation and certification of proficiency by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services within six months of hire, and thereafter obtain accreditation with the American Legion; accreditation must be maintained through continuing education, with recertification every five years.
Possess and maintain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license and an acceptable driving record; complete required driver training.
Ability to pass an extensive VA background investigation and obtain a VA Personal Identity Verification card.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques, community resources for veteran referrals, needs of disabled and disadvantaged veterans, VA-related judicial matters, and business English.
Skill in effective written and verbal communication, planning, organizing, time management, laptop and associated software use, and composing properly formatted correspondence.
Ability to learn and apply Title 38 U.S.C., VA regulations and manuals, and relevant policies and procedures to claims.
Ability to learn and apply other federal, state, local, and military-specific programs to claims.
Ability to provide quality customer service and interact patiently and compassionately with clients and staff.
Ability to learn proprietary database programs relevant to the assignment.
Ability to speak professionally in the community about agency services and promote public interest.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently with minimal supervision.
Applicants must be located within 50 miles 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 on federal and state veterans’ benefit entitlements.
Help clients accurately complete benefit forms, gather 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 to assess compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and relevant court decisions.
Examine medical information and compare residual disability with the VA’s assigned rating for accuracy.
Initiate formal appellant proceedings or advise claimants on actions needed to obtain a proper rating, as necessary.
Create and maintain electronic client records and upload documents into 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 informed about policy changes and provide input on process improvements.
Participate in community outreach to share information, provide agency services, and make referrals.
Drive on state business; occasional overnight or longer stays may be required.
Participate in facility meetings, training, and implementation of the Arizona Management System to support continuous improvement and efficiency.
Collaborate with other professionals to develop benefits subject-matter expertise and improve knowledge and skills.

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 insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System
Life insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Optional short-term disability insurance
Optional deferred compensation plans
Optional supplemental life insurance
Remote work may be available, including full-time or part-time remote schedules, subject to management approval and business needs.