Veterans Administration

This is a Hybrid position. Applicants must be located within a 50-mile radius of the Mesa, Tempe and/or Gilbert areas.

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps veterans thrive? At the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS), 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). This extremely important position provides counseling services to service members, veterans, and eligible dependents to ensure receipt of federal and state veteran related benefits.
Your rewards:
Incomparable Benefits: Our program provides the opportunity to receive a pension and healthcare benefits for a lifetime!
Meaningful Work: Your dedication will directly enhance the lives of veterans and their family members, providing them with the care and respect that they deserve.
Professional Growth: 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 life.
Continuous Improvement: Participate in facility meetings, training sessions, and the implementation of the Arizona Management System (AMS) to achieve continuous improvement and efficiency
Team Collaboration: Work with other professionals to become a benefits subject matter expert (SME) while improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities
This 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.

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
Driving on state business with occasional over night or longer stays may be required

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

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
Provide quality customer service
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
Work independently with minimal supervision

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.

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.)
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).

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services 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
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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact recruiting@azdvs.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.