VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR
Job No : 531201
Work Type : Full-time
Location : REMOTE OPTIONS, CASA GRANDE
Categories : Administrative Support / Customer Service, Education / Training, Healthcare / Medical Professional Level, Social Work / Human Services
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES
For Veterans and those who care for them.
VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR
Job Location :
Northern Arizona Region
Applicants must be located within a 50-mile radius of Casa Grande, Arizona
Posting Details :
Salary : $21.22 / hourly (DOE)
Grade : 18
Closing Date : January 28, 2025
Job Summary :
To be considered, candidates MUST reside within 50 miles of Casa Grande, Arizona.
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Veterans thrive? At the Arizona Department of Veterans Services (AZDVS), 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).
Your rewards :
- Incomparable Benefits : Our program provides the opportunity to receive a pension and healthcare benefits for a lifetime
- Meaningful Work : Your dedication as a VBC will directly enhance the lives of veterans and their family members, providing them with the care and respect that they deserve.
- Professional Growth : As a VBC, you will have the opportunity to engage in continuous learning and improvement through the Arizona Management System (AMS).
Your contribution :
Outstanding Service : Provide the best assistance to veterans to improve their quality of lifeContinuous Improvement : Participate in facility meetings, training sessions, and the implementation of the Arizona Management System (AMS) to achieve continuous improvement and efficiencyTeam Collaboration : Work with other professionals to become a benefits subject matter expert (SME) while improving your knowledge, skills, and abilitiesThis 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.
Job Duties :
Trains and becomes accredited by the Veterans Administration within six months of hireConducts in person or virtual interviews and counsels clients regarding a variety of veteran related benefit entitlements under current federal and state lawAssists clients with accurately completing benefit forms, gathering supporting documents and submitting to the VA in a timely mannerMonitors the claim through the VA process utilizing VA and other computer databasesReviews claim files after a VA rating action to determine VA's compliance with current laws, rules and regulations as outlined in U.S. Court ofAppeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decisions, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal resourcesExamines 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 accuracyInitiates formal appellant proceedings and / or otherwise advises claimants to take specific action to obtain a proper rating, as necessaryCreates and maintains electronic client records and uploads documents into client filesPrepares reports as requested by supervisorAttends all required education and training to obtain and maintain accreditationAttends meetings with various VA and State personnel to keep abreast of policy changes and to offer input for process improvementsParticipates 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 requiredKnowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :
Knowledge of :
Interviewing / counseling techniquesCommunity resources for veteran referralsNeeds and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veteransJudicial matters (appeals, hearings) as they relate to the VABusiness English, including proper use of spelling and grammarSkill in :
Effective written and verbal communicationsPlanning, organizing, and time managementUsing a laptop computer and associated software( e.g. Google Suites, email, etc.)Composing general correspondence, including proper formattingAbility to :
Learn and apply Title 38 U.S.C. and Veterans Administration regulations and manuals, policies and procedures to claimsLearn and apply other federal, state and local programs, as well as military specific programs to claimsProvide quality customer serviceBe patient and compassionate when interacting with clients and staffLearn proprietary database programs pertinent to assignmentSpeak professionally in the community regarding agency services and promote public interestMaintain confidentialityWork independently with minimal supervisionSelective Preference(s) :
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.
Pre-Employment Requirements :
This position requires 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.The position requires 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.)This position requires the 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.If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply : Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits :
The Arizona Department of Veterans Services offers a comprehensive benefits package to include :
Sick leaveVacation with 10 paid holidays per yearPaid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).Health and dental insuranceRetirement planLife insurance and long-term disability insuranceOptional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insuranceBy 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. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement :
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Contact Us :
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Paul Sharp at recruiting@azdvs.gov or (602) 781-7032 for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
Advertised : 14 Jan 2025 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close : 28 Jan 2025 US Mountain Standard Time
Salary : $21
