VETERAN BENEFITS SPECIALIST II

Maryland AG; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families seeks a Veterans Benefits Specialist II to initiate and present claims for compensation, pension, and other benefits to VA and other agencies on behalf of veterans and dependents. You will serve as a primary contact and advocate, guiding families through entitlement processes in a public-facing role.

Under supervision, you will interview applicants, gather records, and provide intake services to ensure veterans receive earned benefits,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience serving veterans and their dependents.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterans, their dependents, and their survivors applying for compensation, pension, and entitlements.
• Advise veterans and their families regarding benefits to which they may be entitled.
• Conducts interviews and inquiries to ensure that veterans and their families are not neglected.
• Assist veterans and their families in obtaining military records and evidence necessary to facilitate benefits and entitlements. Provide intake services and screening.
• Function as a primary point of contact for persons wishing to access services offered by the Department.
• Under general supervision, conduct public relations and public information activities; represents the Department at veterans’ organization conventions and at public meetings and events.

Skills

Benefit interpretation

Customer interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) was created by the State Legislature in 1999 as an executive agency with the mission of assisting veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.

Under the Department of Veterans and Military Families are five major programs:

• Service and Benefits Program
• Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
• Cemetery and Memorial Program
• Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Programs
• Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

The Department of Veterans and Military Families is seeking a Veterans Benefits Specialist II.

GRADE

STD0014

LOCATION OF POSITION

15 Metropolitan Grove Road

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

POSITION DUTIES

The Veteran Benefits Specialist II initiates and presents claims for compensation, pension, entitlements and other benefits to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies on behalf of veterans, their eligible dependents, and their survivors. Helping veterans and their dependents receive the benefits to which they are entitled is a requirement set forth in the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article Subtitle 9.

• Assist and represents veterans, their dependents, and their survivors applying for compensation, pension, and entitlements.
• Advise veterans and their families regarding benefits to which they may be entitled.
• Conducts interviews and inquiries to ensure that veterans and their families are not neglected.
• Assist veterans and their families in obtaining military records and evidence necessary to facilitate benefits and entitlements. Provide intake services and screening.
• Function as a primary point of contact for persons wishing to access services offered by the Department.
• Under general supervision, conduct public relations and public information activities; represents the Department at veterans’ organization conventions and at public meetings and events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of experience providing services to veterans and their dependents.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to understand, interpret and convey a system of benefits to a veteran and their family to ensure they received entitlements earned through military service.
• Ability to interact with customers to achieve satisfaction along with the desired results.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. In accordance with United States Code, Title 38, Section 5901-5905, employees in this classification must be certified as a Veterans’ Services Counselor by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.