VA Benefits Advisor - Military veterans preferred

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides on-site, hands-on benefit and services briefings through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to support the successful transition from active military service to Veterans. In many cases, the VA Benefits Advisor is the first or only interaction between a Service Member and VA. Under guidance from VA, this job will provide comprehensive counseling and services to all Service Members and their dependents on all VA benefits and programs within Yuma (other AZ bases also available!).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Educate Service Members and dependents on all VA Benefits and VA Programs available.
In a classroom/group setting, instruct approximately 10 to 50 Service members and dependents on all the VA Benefits and VA Programs for which a Service member and/or dependent may be eligible including, but not limited to: education, compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loan guaranty, insurance, burial benefits, VA health care, and information and demonstrations on VA electronic tools and resources.
On an individual case-by-case basis, provide individualized VA Benefits consultation to specifically address a particular Service member's and/or family's needs leveraging VA-approved materials.
Provide assistance as Service members and dependents apply online for VA Benefits and VA Programs to include completing VA web-based applications.
Review, maintain and make readily available on-site reference materials for all VA Benefits and VA Programs in order to provide the highest quality service to the customer.
Maintain a close network with other related resource experts, including not limited to: Installation Leadership, VR&E Counselors, DOL VETS Staff and Instructors, military service TAP managers and staff, VA MSCs, VA Transition and Economic Development staff, VHA homelessness program staff, health care liaisons, Military Sexual Trauma staff, mental health and suicide prevention staff, warrior transition staff, Vet Centers, and VA Medical Center and Regional Office staff.
Performance of this job requires a wide range of communications skills to include classroom instruction, email exchange, telephone consultation and/or individual face to face meetings.
Physical Demands: Normal demands associated with an office environment. Ability to work on computer for long periods and communicate with individuals by telephone, email and face-to-face. Some travel may be required -either by flight or driving - to other military installations
Note: All candidates must successfully complete a two-week comprehensive, standards-based VA Benefits Advisor Training Course that includes successfully passing a written test and an oral presentation evaluation before the candidate will be considered fully qualified to perform in this position.


Required Qualifications: BA/BS degree (Four years of relevant experience with a high school diploma may be substituted for a bachelor's degree) and 3 to 10 years of relevant experience. Must possess utmost professionalism, superior customer service, commitment to the mission, and high quality, oral and written communication skills. Must possess the ability to learn information within a reasonable period for preparation. Must be able to obtain a NACI, MBI, or BI clearance as requested by our client.

Desired Qualifications: A minimum of four years of Active Duty military service in any of the United States Armed Forces (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U. S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, or U.S. Coast Guard) with an honorable discharge and/or military spouse is strongly desired. Military veteran retiree with experience going through TAP preferred. Military Instructor certification (e.g., Master Trainer, Drill Instructor, Combat Instructor, etc.) is preferred.