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JOB SUMMARY
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Under the supervision of a higher classified employee, advises and assists veterans, their survivors and dependents in applying for claims and benefits available under federal, state and local laws. In addition, assumes various supervisory responsibilities attending veterans related meetings and serving on behalf of the Department, exercising independent judgment following defined policies and procedures. Performs related work as assigned.
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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Essential Duties:
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Advises veterans, their dependents, and survivors on the services and benefits available to them through Washtenaw County Veteran Services and refers them to proper outside agencies when applicable.
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Interviews, counsels and provides technical assistance to veterans, dependents and survivors in filing their applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, home loans, insurance benefits, financial relief applications and other available veterans benefits.
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Assists veterans and their dependents in completing and filing applications for claims and benefit entitlements such as hospitalization, pension, burial and loans. Gathers evidence and supporting documentation necessary to process applications.
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Researches, interprets, and applies federal, state and local laws and regulations related to veterans benefits. Determines the effects of laws and regulations on benefits which veterans, dependents, and survivors may be entitled.
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Monitors changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as Court decisions and General Council opinions to advise claimants regarding benefits and services.
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Researches, develops, and writes appeals of Department of Veteran Affairs decisions to be presented to the Board of Veteran Appeals (BVA) and the Court of Appeal for Veteran Claims (CAVC).
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Provides information on eligibility requirements and precedents for various benefits.
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Acts as an interviewer for the Veterans Relief Fund (VRF).
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Reviews and evaluates documentation such as military service records, medical reports and income and estate values to determine individual and family qualifications for claims and benefits.
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Represents claimants as an advocate in local hearings at the Department of Veteran Affairs as to the status of claims, clarification of requests, and further development of claims.
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Provides case management for all assigned files and serves as alternate for the assigned files of other counselors in their absence.
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Confers with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, rehabilitation organizations, educational institutions and veterans service organizations to facilitate services to clients, maintain cooperative working relationships and become aware of new programs and services that are available.
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Provides a variety of other related services to eligible individuals.
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Represents the department at a variety of meetings and conference involving veterans services.
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Maintains related records and completes various reports as required by various federal, state and local agencies.
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Important Duties:
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Reads extensively to keep current on changes, programs or legislation affecting veterans benefit programs.
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Conducts studies, analyzes information, evaluates alternatives and makes recommendation. Prepares narrative reports of findings. Develops, revises and implements policies and procedures.
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Uses standard office equipment including a computer terminal in the course of the work.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
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EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Principles, practices and procedures related to the management of Veterans Services programs and activities.
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Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
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Research, data analysis and report preparation techniques.
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Computer applications related to the work.
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Office administrative principles and practices, including the operation of standard office equipment.
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Basic financial recordkeeping practices.
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Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, policies and regulations.
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Analyzing complex administrative problems, evaluating alternatives and implementing sound recommendations.
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Setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines.
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Using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
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Maintaining accurate records and files.
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Preparing clear, concise and effective written materials.
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Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
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LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
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Membership in the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors; accreditation with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) and any Congressionally Charted Veterans Service Organization that is currently recognized by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
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Must maintain accreditation in accordance with VA Office of General Counsel.
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Possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.
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CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including, but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training, and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
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These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
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EDUCATION
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Equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Sociology, or a field related to the work.
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EXPERIENCE
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A minimum of one (1) year of experience involving veteran's programs or equivalent.
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(enter paragraph text here)
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Employees must obtain and maintain accreditation in accordance with VA Office of General Counsel within eighteen to twenty-four months of hire after successfully completing a course of instruction as prescribed by 38 Code of Federal Regulations 14.629 (a)(1)(i)(ii) and receiving certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs authorizing the employee to present claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.
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FILING DEADLINE: 7/1/25
CONTROL NUMBER: 2506-6900-2265-0002
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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