Veterans Benefits Counselor

Arizona Department of Administration • Mesa, AZ

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) is seeking an outstanding Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC) to provide counseling services to service members, veterans, and eligible dependents to ensure receipt of federal and state veteran related benefits. This position is crucial in helping veterans thrive by ensuring they receive the highest quality services. The role involves continuous learning and improvement through the Arizona Management System (AMS), providing outstanding service, and collaborating with other professionals to become a benefits subject matter expert.

Requirements

• 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. Re-certification 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.
• Knowledge of interviewing/counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources for veteran referrals.
• Knowledge of needs and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veterans.
• Knowledge of judicial matters (appeals, hearings) as they relate to the VA.
• Knowledge of Business English, including proper use of spelling and grammar.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communications.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and time management.
• Skill in using a laptop computer and associated software (e.g. Google Suites, email, etc.).
• Skill in 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.
• Ability to learn and apply other federal, state and local programs, as well as military specific programs to claims.
• Ability to provide quality customer service.
• Ability to be patient and compassionate when interacting with clients and staff.
• Ability to learn proprietary database programs pertinent to assignment.
• Ability to speak professionally in the community regarding agency services and promote public interest.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• 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 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 the claim through the VA process 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.

Benefits

• Pension for a lifetime
• Healthcare benefits for a lifetime
• 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

What This Job Offers

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