State of Maryland

A Veteran Benefits Specialist Advanced is the advanced level of work providing State, federal and local services to veterans and their dependents.  Employees in this classification serve as experts in veterans benefit administration and are responsible for the most complex cases, such as the review, preparation and presentation of cases to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs for adjudication and for providing guidance and assistance to lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists during the appeal process.   Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Veteran Benefits Specialist Supervisor.  Employees in this classification may be assigned to a regional office or a central office.  The work may require travel throughout the State.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Veteran Benefits Specialist Advanced is differentiated from the Veteran Benefits Specialist II in that the Veteran Benefits Specialist Advanced is an expert in the field of veterans benefits and is responsible for complex cases and provides guidance and assistance to lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists concerning the appeal process. while the Veteran Benefits Specialist II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The Veterans Benefits Specialist Advanced is differentiated from the Veteran Benefit Specialist Supervisor in that the Veteran Benefit Specialist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level Veteran Benefits Specialists.   

Reviews, prepares and presents cases and files appeals contesting the denial of benefits or the awarded benefit;

Notifies veterans and their dependents regarding their appeal status;

Obtains supplemental information and documentation to support claims through correspondence, analysis of official documents and records and interviews with claimants, physicians, veterans’ family members and other interested parties;

Advises veterans and their dependents of appeal options and procedures, such as review by the local Veterans Board of Appeals or the United States Department of Veteran Affairs;

Represents claimants by power-of-attorney through the adjudication process;

Testifies before the Veterans Board of Appeals on behalf of veterans and their dependents;

Acts as a liaison with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans’ organizations for the timely expedition of claims;

Prepares and presents a variety of materials, such as pamphlets, booklets, media presentations, exhibits and public speeches to promote and publicize veteran services and benefits;

Processes applications for tax relief, automobile registration, scholarships and other benefits and services offered to veterans and their dependents;

May operate a small Veterans Services Center;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of methods and techniques for compiling, analyzing and organizing data and information;

Knowledge of State, federal and local laws, rules and regulations concerning benefits, privileges, and obligations to veterans and their families;

Skill in the use of computer software applications;

Skill in reviewing and clarifying personal and medical data;

Skill in the use of communication and interviewing techniques;

Skill in preparing clear, accurate and detailed reports;

Skill in understanding, interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures in order to make determinations and resolve problems;

Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff members, other agencies and institutions, and the general public;

Ability to maintain routine and confidential logs, files and other records.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience providing services to veterans and their dependents.

Note: Candidates may substitute Active Duty military recruiting experience or career counseling experience on a year-by-year basis for the required experience.

1. In accordance with the United States Code, Title 38, Section 5901-5905 requires that employees in this classification must be certified as a Veteran’s Service Counselor by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which 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.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.  

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.