VETARANS BENEFITS CNSLR

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES For Veterans and those who care for them.
VETERANS' BENEFITS COUNSELOR Job Location: Address: Central Arizona Region Remote: Applicant must be physically located within a 50-mile radius of the city of Phoenix Posting Details: Salary: $21.
2274 Grade: 18 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Job Summary: Do you have a passion for assisting veterans or are looking for a way to help others? The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services is looking for someone like you to become a Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC) in our Central Region! Our Veterans Benefits Counselors provide in-person and virtual counseling services to members, veterans, eligible dependents and their survivors to ensure they are receiving federal and state veteran related benefits under existing laws.
As a VBC you will learn to assist members, veterans, eligible dependents and their survivors by applying for compensation, pension, burial, education benefits, home loan guaranty certificate, medical benefits and other federal and state benefits.
As a State of Arizona employee you will participate in the Arizona Management System (AMS), including learning, implementing and monitoring AMS methods, and using AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiency.
This position requires participation in outreach events as assigned, and requires driving on state business with occasional overnight or longer stays.
As a VBC it is required that you become accredited by the Veterans Affairs (VA).
This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).
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: As a Veterans’ Benefit Counselor you will: Train and become accredited by the VA within six months of hire Conduct in person or virtual interviews and counsels clients regarding a variety of 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; monitors 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 as outlined in U.
S.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decisions, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations and other federal resources (M-21, etc.
) Examine 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.
Create and maintain electronic client records and uploads 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 and to offer input for process improvements Participate in the Arizona Management System (AMS) to ensure continuous improvement in agency processes.
Participate in community outreach activities to engage service members, veterans, their family members and citizens to disseminate information and offer agency services and referrals.
This may include but is not limited to Stand Downs, Stand Ups, Veterans' Courts, Pow Wows, Veteran organization meetings, Expos, Assisted Living facilities, Nursing Homes and other assigned outreach activities.
Driving on state business with occasional over night or longer stays may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of: Interviewing/counseling techniques Community resources for veteran referrals Needs and problems of disabled and disadvantaged veterans Judicial matters (appeals, hearings) as they relate to the VA Business English, including proper use of spelling and grammar General administrative/office procedures and practices Skill in: Effective written and verbal communications Planning, organizing and time management Using a laptop computer and associated software( e.
g.
Google Suites, email, etc.
) 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 Learn and apply other federal, state and local programs, as well as military specific programs to claims Learn and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the agency Train and become accredited with the VA within six months of hire Provide high-quality customer service Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with internal and external contacts Be patient and compassionate when interacting with clients and staff Learn proprietary database programs pertinent to assignment Speak professionally in the community regarding agency services and promote public interest Maintain confidentiality Learn the Arizona Management System Follow chain of command Work independently with minimal supervision Selective 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 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 Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 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 Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance By 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.
Retirement: Contact Us: If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tiffany Batura at recruiting@azdvs.
gov and 602.
781.
7032 for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.