Veteran Services Representative I/Ii

Salary : $37,107.20 - $49,774.40 Annually
Location : Lake County, CA
Job Type: Full Time - Open to all applicants
Job Number: 24-095
Department: Health Services Administration
Division: Veteran Services Officer - 5321
Opening Date: 04/29/2024
Closing Date: 5/14/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
General Recruitment Information
Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months). Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting. Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. Veteran's Preference.
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system. A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application. All permanent County recruitments will be posted at with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting. When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date. Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes. All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered - resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant. Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Benefits may vary between bargaining units. Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.
Minimum Qualifications
VETERAN SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I
Licensing and Certification:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
Education and Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time responsible work experience in providing program services and performing a variety of office and administrative support work. Previous experience with public contact work is required.
Previous experience with VETERAN SERVICES and claims processing is highly desirable.
VETERAN SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE II
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time experience performing veteran service work comparable to that of a Veteran Services Representative I with the County of Lake.
Job Description
VETERAN SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, assists with coordinating, administering, and providing a program of VETERAN SERVICES and benefits as provided by federal, state, and local agency monies and regulations; counsels and advises veterans and dependents on their benefits; performs complex office support work; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry and training level in the Veteran Services Representative series. Incumbents work under relatively close supervision performing the more basic assignments.
This class is distinguished from Veteran Services Representative II by the fact that incumbents are mainly working in a training and learning capacity under closer guidance and supervision.
Positions in the Veteran Services Representative series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Assistant Veteran Services Officer or Veteran Services Officer. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Assists with coordinating and administering a program of VETERAN SERVICES under the guidelines of federal and state agencies.
• Counsels and assists veterans and their dependents with initiating, developing, and processing claims for disability compensation, pensions, insurance benefits, vocational rehabilitation, hospitalization, medical care, loan guarantee benefits, and civil service benefits.
• Refers clients to appropriate local, state, or federal agencies and/or community service agencies in cases involving other veteran-related benefits.

• Interprets, explains, and ensures proper application of local, state, or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veteran's benefits.

• Procures necessary information, records, and affidavits to support claims.
• Assists with the preparation of appeals to denials of veteran benefits and claims.
• Maintains current knowledge of changes in laws and regulations affecting veteran benefits.
• Develops and maintains communication and contact with local organizations concerned with veteran programs.
• Assists with the development and distribution of information concerning veteran benefits and programs related to education, disability, pensions, employment, and loans.
• Assists with the development and administration of the VETERAN SERVICES program budget and monitors expenditures.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for VETERAN SERVICES program functions for veterans and their families.
• Performs a variety of records maintenance and specialized office support assignments related to the VETERAN SERVICES program.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Policies, operations, and functions of the VETERAN SERVICES program.
• Laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting VETERAN SERVICES and assistance.
• Community resources and local agencies related to VETERAN SERVICES and their dependents.
• Interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Benefits, services, and programs available to veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents.

• Principles and procedures for filing benefits claims.

• Budget development and control.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Modern office methods, filing systems, and procedures.
• Written and oral communications skills.

• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Read, interpret, apply, and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing veterans benefits and services.
• Provide effective counseling regarding benefits and services to veterans.
• Research, analyze, and develop documentation for claims.
• Perform a variety of difficult and complex office and administrative support assignments.
• Interview effectively and gather necessary information.

• Prepare or assist clients in the preparation of appropriate forms and correspondence.

• Collect, compile, and analyze a variety of information.
• Assist with budget development and administration.
• Type or use word processing software at sufficient speed to accomplish work assignments.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Effectively represent the VETERAN SERVICES program in responding to inquiries, providing assistance and dealing with public and community organization concerns about VETERAN SERVICES.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certification:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
Education and Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time responsible work experience in providing program services and performing a variety of office and administrative support work. Previous experience with public contact work is required.
Previous experience with VETERAN SERVICES and claims processing is highly desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
VETERAN SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE II
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, assists with coordinating, administering, and providing a program of VETERAN SERVICES and benefits as provided by federal, state, and local agency monies and regulations; counsels and advises veterans and dependents on their benefits; performs complex office support work; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level in the Veteran Services Representative series. Incumbents are expected to perform a wide range of VETERAN SERVICES work with minimal direction and supervision.
This class is distinguished from Veteran Services Representative I by the fact that incumbents are expected to perform the full range of assignments with minimal guidance and supervision, including claims processing, counseling, and office support work.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Assistant Veteran Services Officer or Veteran Services Officer. Exercises no supervision of staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Assists with coordinating and administering a program of VETERAN SERVICES under the guidelines of federal and state agencies.
• Counsels and assists veterans and their dependents with initiating, developing, and processing claims for disability compensation, pensions, insurance benefits, vocational rehabilitation, hospitalization, medical care, loan guarantee benefits, and civil service benefits.
• Procures necessary information, records, and affidavits to support claims.
• Assists with the preparation of appeals to denials of veteran benefits and claims.
• Refers clients to appropriate local, state, or federal agencies and/or community service agencies in cases involving other veteran-related benefits.

• Interprets, explains, and ensures proper application of local, state, or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veteran's benefits.

• Maintains current knowledge of changes in laws and regulations affecting veteran benefits.
• Develops and maintains ...