Senior Veteran Services Counselor

SENIOR VETERAN SERVICES COUNSELOR

Manatee County Government, Work That Matters

Work Location: Manatee County Veteran Services, 1401 3rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; occasional outreach events evenings, weekends, and military holidays (Veterans Day, Memorial Day).

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 – $29.59

• Act as Lead Veterans Services Counselor, planning, assigning, training, mentoring, and reviewing the work of subordinate Veterans Services Counselors.
• Apply knowledge of laws, regulations, and programs affecting veterans and their families, including Medicare, Tricare, Tricare for Life, and Senior Pharmacy payment programs.
• Maintain current understanding of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs organization and maintain contacts with Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery System, Office of Inspector General, and General Counsel Office.
• Conduct interviews, counsel veterans, dependents, and survivors on applicable benefits, advise on additional eligible benefits, and facilitate delivery of those benefits while ensuring HIPAA compliance.
• Provide direct consultation and guidance to staff on complex cases, emergencies, and decisions requiring higher authority, including correspondence with the Board of Veterans Appeals and the Court of Veterans Appeals.
• Assist clients with applications for claims and appeals, and perform follow‑up appointments to determine proper disposition.
• Stay current on changes to laws, rules, and regulations; respond to inquiries and ensure junior staff understand new requirements; review veteran files for potential new claims.
• Use automated systems (VBMS, SHARE, Legacy VA) to access veteran records locally and remotely.
• Act as County Veteran Services Officer in absence of the incumbent.
• Effectively coach, train, mentor, and supervise staff and coordinate outreach, outreach training, and services provided by the division.
• Manage off‑site personnel, ensuring proper coverage at each outreach location and adherence to office protocols.
• Make presentations before civic and veterans’ groups regarding the division’s mission.
• Serve as liaison with other agencies and organizations involved with veterans and their affairs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, state, federal, and local agencies, veterans’ organizations, veterans, and the general public.
• Perform related work, including weather or extreme emergency duties, as required.

• Three (3) years of experience in client interviewing, counseling, or a related field.
• Prior lead or supervisory experience.
• Current certification as a State of Florida Veteran Services Officer.
• Veteran status, having served on active duty armed forces (excluding training) and separated with honorable conditions, or surviving spouse of such veteran.
• Accreditation by a service organization and certification by the Department of Veterans Affairs for electronic access to VA claims data.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.
• Associate’s degree in business, human services, or related field desirable.

• Knowledge of offices established to assist veterans, including the Veterans Administration and state and local veterans offices.
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge or ability to learn quickly about federal and state veterans’ services, clauses, and procedures.
• Ability to establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with the public and staff, and to develop proactive partnerships with county, state, and federal representatives.
• Ability to plan, direct, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Professional representation of the division in the absence of the Manager.
• Ability to deliver professional presentations to the Board of County Commissioners and related authorities.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Priority consideration is given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans in accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other accepted documentation.

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Contact Human Resources at 941‑748‑4501 x 3865 for accommodations.

Manatee County Government is a drug‑free workplace in accordance with federal and Florida law.

Employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency, perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and schedule to meet the needs of the County and its citizens.