VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR

State of Arizona • Casa Grande, AZ

348d • $21 • Remote

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Veterans Services (AZDVS) is seeking a Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC) to serve and honor Veterans, Service Members, and their families by ensuring they receive high-quality services. The position is located in the Northern Arizona Region, and candidates must reside within a 50-mile radius of Casa Grande, Arizona. The role offers the opportunity to work remotely based on business needs and performance measures. The VBC will provide assistance to veterans, enhancing their quality of life through meaningful work and professional growth opportunities.

Requirements

• Must reside within 50 miles of Casa Grande, Arizona.
• Ability to obtain accreditation by the VA and certified proficient by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services within six months from the date of hire.
• Possession of a current, valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to pass an extensive background investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with honorable discharge.

Responsibilities

• Train and become accredited by the Veterans Administration within six months of hire.
• Conduct in-person or virtual interviews and counsel clients regarding veteran-related benefit entitlements under current federal and state law.
• Assist clients with accurately completing benefit forms, gathering supporting documents, and submitting to the VA in a timely manner.
• Monitor the claim through the VA process utilizing VA and other computer databases.
• Review claim files after a VA rating action to determine VA's compliance with current laws, rules, and regulations.
• Examine medical information including service medical records, physical examinations, hospital reports, and post-operative reports.
• Initiate formal appellant proceedings and advise claimants to take specific action to obtain a proper rating.
• Create and maintain electronic client records and upload documents into client files.
• Prepare reports as requested by supervisor.
• Attend all required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditation.
• Attend meetings with various VA and State personnel to keep abreast of policy changes.
• Participate in community outreach activities to engage service members, veterans, and their families.

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
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits including short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support