Veteran's Service Officer

Description

Position is open until filled with first review date on 04/15/2024

Salary: PW11 Steps 2-4 $4,474.11 - $4,891.19 DOE Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,115.50-$5,857.99.

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes 11 paid holidays and 1 floating personal holidays along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave.

GENERAL FUNCTION

This position is responsible for the administration of the Chelan County Veteran’s Services Office. This includes, but is not limited, reaching out to Veteran’s Organizations and Veterans through traditional public relations, community involvement, and by initiation and implementation of activities that encourage them to access available benefits; providing quality advocacy for all US Veteran’s and their dependents and survivors through benefit counseling and programs, claims, and outreach services; and responding to the needs of Chelan County Veteran’s, service members, their dependants and survivors, and to provide linkage for them to other support services. This position provides coordination and leadership for the Veteran’s Advisory Board in accordance with RCW 73.08.035 and manages the Veteran’s Services Administrative Specialist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interview Veterans and/or dependents concerning needs and eligibility for assistance.
• Assist claimants with the application process, obtains necessary supporting documentation, follows the progress of the claim through channels and takes whatever action required to expedites the claim, assists clients in preparing appeals where claims have been denied.
• Determine primary eligibility and prepares claims for service connected disabilities and non-service persons; composes letters with all pertinent facts for same.
• Direct clients to agencies in the community who may be able to provide additional assistance.
• Meets with the Veteran’s Advisory Board to discuss Veteran’s Services activities, needs and suggestions for improved services.
• Interpreting relevant laws to clients and aiding them in making proper claims for benefits or directing them to the proper authority.
• Develop and maintain the budget for the Veteran’s Services Office in partnership with the Housing Program Manager.
• Interpret and explain written material and laws to Veterans and dependents.
• Research grant opportunities and write grants for additional funding for Veteran’s services.
• Perform other duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience in a social service environment with considerable public contact in a professional environment; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge skills and experience. Military service background preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have knowledge of current laws relating to benefits for Veterans and their dependents, programs and activities of state, federal and other agencies rendering services to Veterans and their dependents.
• Must have knowledge of developing and maintaining an office budget.
• Must have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, groups, and related organizations. Including ability and willingness to speak publicly in order to report to the Veteran’s Advisory Board and Board of Chelan County Commissioners.
• Must be able to communicate clearly, tactfully and professionally with Veterans and their dependents and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be familiar with and able to use Microsoft Office programs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license; must attend Veteran’s Service Officer training, and attain CVSO credentials within first 6 months of employment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position oversees the Veteran’s Services Administrative Specialist.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be able to understand state RCW’s and guide veterans and their dependents through the process of determining eligibility and accessing available benefits. Must be able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must have basic math and bookkeeping skills and ability to develop and maintain an office budget.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Apply common sense understanding to applicable RCW’s;

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primary work environment will be indoors in an office setting. Travel between buildings and to various service organizations and locations outside of the main office will be necessary to meet with veterans, dependants and other service providers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to talk and listen. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Noise level is minor to moderate depending on location of work performed.

CLOSING STATEMENT

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additional Information

To apply: Include the following in one document (PDF or Word)

• Chelan County Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Email tohuman.resources@co.chelan.wa.us or mail/drop off at address below.

Human Resources
400 Douglas Street, #201
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,474.11 - $5,857.99 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person