Veterans Service Representative I/Ii

Salary: $1,467.22 - $1,759.32 Biweekly
Location : Crescent City, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-00122
Department: Administration
Division: Veteran's Services
Opening Date: 03/01/2024
Closing Date: 3/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
General Recruitment Information:
This recruitment will establish a list of candidates to be used in filling the vacancy as well as an eligibility list that may be used for future vacancies or temporary help for up to one (1) year.
Job Opportunity:
Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements. Resumes are encouraged, but will not be accepted in lieu of required application materials. Applications which are incomplete as of the final date to apply will be eliminated from consideration. Candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications may be invited to an oral interview.
Description
Bi-weekly Salary:
Veterans Service Representative I: $1,467.22 - $1,606.14
Veterans Service Representative II: $1,606.14 - $1,759.32
The Del Norte County Veterans Division is seeking a qualified candidate to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Veterans Service Representative. This position is classified as full-time.
Under general supervision, counsels veterans and family members and assists them in obtaining their full range of services and benefits to which they are entitled by law; to process applications and claims for benefits and services; and to perform related duties as required. This position requires the ability to provide various services for veterans and dependents while under direct supervision of the department head. This classification is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the FLSA.
Detailed Work Activities
This is a technical specialty class which requires knowledge of plans, services, benefits and options available to military veterans, surviving spouses and dependents. Responsibilities require the regular use of independent judgment, initiative and discretion, as well as the ability to deal successfully with individuals from various socioeconomic groups. This class is distinguished from Veterans Service Officer in that the latter has overall program management and supervisory responsibility. Provides information, advice, and counseling to veterans, surviving spouses, their dependents, and other interested parties, concerning compensation, pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, insurance, hospitalization, outpatient care, home loans, housing, tax exemptions, burial benefits and other benefits to which they may be entitled.

• Refers clients to appropriate local, state, federal and/or community service agencies in cases involving other veteran related benefits.
• Interprets and explains local, state or federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to military veteran benefits.
• Acts as an advocate for the veteran and/or dependents by representing the veteran or dependent before the Veteran's Administration in pursuing claims or in appealing for benefits previously denied.
• Advises and assists veterans and their surviving dependents in obtaining and presenting evidence to establish entitlement to veteran's benefits.
• Assists clients in preparation and presentation of claims forms to the state and federal agencies. Establishes and maintains ongoing contact with veterans and their surviving dependents, other interested parties, service organizations holding powers-of-attorney, or the Veteran's Administration about claims development and the status of pending claims.
• Assists clients in preparing forms and responding to communications received from other agencies about veteran's benefits.
• Makes home calls and visits, when needed, to hospitals and convalescent homes to assist clients in completing and submitting necessary applications for benefits.
• Attends meetings and addresses civic, veteran, and other community service organizations regarding veteran's benefits, including compiling and submitting activity reports.
• Prepares bulletins publicizing the program; maintains records and prepares reports of work performed.

Minimum Qualifications
Veteran Service Representative I:
Pattern 1: Graduation from high school or equivalent supplemented with college course work in accounting, administrative business practices, or a closely related field; course work in data processing is also desirable; and a minimum of two years' experience in responsible office administrative principles and practices, record keeping, bookkeeping, data processing, customer service or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Veteran status is highly desirable;
Veteran Service Representative II:
In addition to the minimum qualification under Pattern I above, two (2) years of experience as a Veteran Service Representative I or an equivalent position with experience in an agency or program administering, assisting or advocating for veterans' benefits; Veteran status is highly desirable.
License: Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License or valid driver's license if a resident of another state, as a condition of initial and continued employment.
Special Requirement:

• Within one year of employment, the incumbent must be accredited by Veterans Affairs (VA) as an agent, attorney, or representative of a VA-recognized veteran's service organization to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of a claim for VA benefits. 38 U.S.C. §§ 5901-5902, 5904; 38 C.F.R. § 14.629);
• Must possess and maintain valid certifications as a condition of continued employment.

All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with Del Norte County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Benefits, services and programs available to veterans, surviving spouses and dependents;
• Applicable laws, rules and regulations;
• State, federal and community organization available to provide services to veterans and their dependents;
• Record keeping principles and practices;
• Standard office administrative principles and practices, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment;
• Basic business data processing principles and the use of personal computing equipment;
• Business arithmetic including percentages and decimals.

Skill in:

• Interpreting, explaining and applying complex rules and policies;
• Acting as a successful advocate for veterans and their dependents;
• Maintaining accurate files and records and preparing reports in a timely manner;
• Researching and summarizing informational materials;
• Organizing, coordinating and prioritizing work activities, meeting deadlines and following up on activities with a minimum of supervision;
• Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;
• Operating standard office equipment, including typing with sufficient skill to complete forms and enter information into a computer system at a speed sufficient to ensure satisfactory job performance.

Selection Process:
The County of Del Norte does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual preference, or disability in any of its programs, activities, or hiring practices. All applications will be reviewed and those individuals with backgrounds most closely meeting the needs of the county will be selected for further review. In the event of a large number of qualifying applicants, a written examination may be given to determine which applicants will be invited to attend an oral interview. An eligibility list will be established upon completion of the oral interviews. Expenses (i.e. travel, food, lodging) incurred in connection with the interview shall be the burden of the applicant. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office prior to the interview/examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Condition of Employment:
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, Del Norte County is required to verify, within three days of employment of any person, that he/she is: 1) a citizen or national of the United States; 2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to work in the United States.
Disaster Service Workers: All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Del Norte County is an equal opportunity employer hiring employment eligible applicants. Disabled applicants who require special testing arrangements should contact the Human Resources Department prior to the filing deadline. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity or authorization to work in the United States. A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment. The investigation may include reference checks, fingerprinting, credit check, driver history and inquiry to local, state and federal files to obtain criminal history information. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process. Selection processes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: application review, competitive screening, written examination, performance examination, and/or oral examination. This bulletin is solely for the purpose of announcing a job opening. It does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.
NOTE: The information listed below is a general summary of benefits for this position. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as an employment contract. Refer to labor agreements (s) for specific benefit information.
BENEFITS: A generous package of benefits is provided, including: health and dental care benefits, life insurance and a retirement plan.
Paid annual leave:
Vacation:
1-5 years of continuous service: 10 working days per year; 6-10 years of continuous service: 15 working days per year; 11-15 years of continuous service: 20 working days per year; 16 years or higher of continuous service: 25 working days per year. Note - Vacation will be available for use after completion of six (6) months of continuous employment.
Sick Leave:
1 day of sick leave with pay for each month of service from the date of employment. Note - Sick leave may be used upon accrual.
Holidays:
13 working days each year.
Floating Holidays:
3 working days each fiscal year. Note - Floating Holidays may be used upon accrual.
Retirement:
The County is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) integrated with Social Security.
Group Insurance:
The County pays a portion of the employee's group health, dental, and life insurance premiums with dependent health and dental care benefits available at group rates.
Retirement:
The County is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) integrated with Social Security.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan:
Employees may elect to have a percentage of their salary deferred for pre-tax investment.
DEL NORTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Del Norte Human Resources
981 H St., Suite 250
Crescent City, CA 95531
(707) 464 - 7213
Any information on this page is subject to change without notice.
01
Please indicate the highest level of formal education you have completed.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree

02
Do you have college coursework in a related field? If so, submit supporting documents with your application.

• Yes
• No

03
Please indicate relevant coursework below. Submit a copy of your transcript with your application. If none, indicate N/A.
04
Do you have two (2) years' experience in responsible office administrative principles and practices, record keeping, bookkeeping, data processing and customer service?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have two (2) years of experience as a Veteran Service Representative I?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have experience administering, assisting or advocating for veteran's benefits with a veteran's organization or program?

• Yes
• No

07
Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position. If none, indicate N/A.
Required Question