Veterans Benefits Counselor I

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

Location: Pontiac, MI
Compensation: $60,990 - $81,714 annually

Minimum Qualifications

• Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • Possess an Associate's degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college with a major in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration or closely related field; AND
  • Have two (2) years full-time work experience providing counseling in a public setting; OR
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Sociology, Psychology, Business Administration or closely related field.
• Note: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html).
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Desirable that applicants be veterans of the United States Armed Forces and have a discharge under honorable conditions from their last period of service.
• Reasonable ability to communicate with the general public.
• Reasonable ability to relate to the problems often realized by veterans in comprehending and securing available veterans' benefits and opportunities.
• Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to prepare and process routine reports.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental practices and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to use office equipment.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Some knowledge of modern office and record keeping practices and procedures.
• Some knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations regarding veterans' benefits.
• Some knowledge of basic interviewing principles.
• Some ability to understand medical statements.

Essential Job Functions

• Advises veterans and/or their families regarding the services and benefits available to them through the Veterans Services Division and/or refers them to the proper outside agencies when applicable.
• Interviews, counsels, and assists veterans/dependents in filing their applications for pensions, compensation, education, dental and medical care, burial allowances, insurance benefits, financial relief applications and other veterans’ benefits.
• Participates in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims for veterans/dependents before the Federal, State, and local governments.
• Maintains current list of supportive and community services in order to refer and provide additional assistance for claimants.
• Makes sure to monitor changes in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and applicable legislation in order to properly advise clients regarding benefits and services available.
• Corresponds with appropriate agencies in order to secure affidavits, certificates, and other required papers to properly submit necessary documentation for clients to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.
• Makes sure to monitor progress and accuracy of the adjudication process of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State and local agencies.
• Uses current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

• Acts as an advocate on behalf of veterans and their dependents.
• Researches federal, state and local laws and regulations and assists with interpreting their effect on benefits which veterans/dependents may be entitled to receive.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Working Conditions

Work is carried out in typical office environment.

Important Note

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.