Job Description

In accordance with 38 USC 5901 and 5904, no person may assist a veteran with an initial claim for benefits unless recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Office of General Counsel. This position functions as the recognized resource in the area of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under the laws administered by the USDVA. The MVSO maintains a substantial depth of knowledge of existing and proposed laws, policies, and procedures that relate to the array of available benefits, application processes and eligibility criteria. As the recognized resource this position serves as an advocate for veterans and eligible family members performing case management duties and advising claimants on the various choices or options regarding disability compensation, pension, education and insurance benefits, counseling claimants on which benefit would be the more advantageous selection. The MVSO analyzes and evaluates the acceptability, validity and probative value of evidence received in support of applications and applies specialized knowledge for the purpose of aiding applicants in realizing the maximum receipt of the benefit being sought. The MVSO also has extensive knowledge of laws and regulations administered by the USDVA Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA)
and appeals and provides guidance and assistance to appellants throughout the entire appeals process. The MVSO specializes in service provision to incarcerated veterans connecting veterans to benefits contributing to the increase of post-release success. The MVSO at the direction of the State Administrative Manager, serves as a liaison to other federal, state and county agencies in matters related to veteran’s services and benefits. This position will serve as the recognized resource providing advice and assistance to veterans in underserved counties. This position also provides VA benefit information to incarcerated veterans nearing release for the purpose of increasing post-release success and will be assigned to a Mobile Van unit to provide service as identified. The primary work location will be Lansing when not staffing the mobile unit.

Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any major.
Experience
Departmental Analyst 9:
No specific type or amount is required.
Departmental Analyst 10:
One year of professional experience.
Departmental Analyst P11:
Two years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the intermediate (10) level in state service.
Departmental Analyst 12:
Three years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the experienced (P11) level in state service.
Must be able to be accredited by the USDVA as a result of completing the Training Response Involvement and Preparation of Claims (TRIP) Program. Accreditation by a Veteran’s Service Organization certified by the USDVA or accreditation by the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.

Alternate Education and Experience

Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time active-duty experience at or above the E-6 level in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement.
Military experience: For those applicants with past military service, please provide military paperwork with codes (MOS, NEC, AFS, etc.) that may help identify transferable skills and experience that may qualify in lieu of required experience or education.
Equivalent Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
**We encourage all applicants to apply that believe they meet the standards, especially people who have served in the military and their family.

Additional Requirements and Information

State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:

Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.

Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.

Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.

Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.

Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.

Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.

Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.

Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.

Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.

Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.

Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.

Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.

Updated: 2/28/24