VETERAN BENEFITS SPECIALIST II

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland seeks a Veteran Benefits Specialist II to assist veterans and their families in pursuing compensation, pensions, and related benefits with the VA and other agencies. The role emphasizes outreach, interviewing, and eligibility liaison.

Based in Gaithersburg, you will operate under the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, supporting entitlement processes and serving as a primary contact for service access.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering services to veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to explain complex benefit information clearly.
• Strong communication and outreach abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist and represent veterans, dependents, and survivors applying for benefits.
• Advise on benefits veterans may be entitled to.
• Conduct interviews to ensure access to entitlements.
• Help obtain military records and evidence for benefits.
• Serve as primary contact for accessing Department services.
• Engage in public relations and outreach at events.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Interviewing

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

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.

Position Duties Include

• 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

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your 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

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.