Logo
State of Arizona

VETERANS BENEFITS COUNSELOR

State of Arizona, Safford, Arizona, us, 85548

Save Job

Veterans Benefits Counselor

State of Arizona – Department of Veterans' Services. Job Location: Central Arizona Region. Qualified applicants must be located within a 50‑mile radius of Pima, Arizona. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continued meeting of expected performance measures. Posting Details

Salary: Up to $21.22 hourly Grade: 18 Closing Date: November 4, 2025 Job Summary

In order to be considered for this position, qualified candidates MUST reside within a 50 mile radius of Pima, Arizona. 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 integral position provides in‑person and virtual counseling to service members, veterans, eligible dependents, and their survivors to ensure receipt of federal and state veteran 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 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. Job Duties

Conduct in person or virtual interviews and counsel 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 Veteran's Administration (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 as outlined in U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decisions, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal resources. Examine medical information including, but not limited to service medical records (SMR's), physical examinations, hospital reports, and post‑operative reports, and compare the degree of residual disability with VA assignment for accuracy. Initiate formal appellant proceedings and/or otherwise advise claimants to take specific action to obtain a proper rating, as necessary. 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 and to offer input for process improvements. Participate 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 overnight 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. 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

Ability to obtain accreditation by the VA and certified proficiency 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. 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. 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 (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. Retirement

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility becomes 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr