Veterans Services Officer

Franklin County•Franklin County Courthouse Campus - Pasco WA, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for advocating, informing, advising, assisting, referral, and follow-up services for Franklin County Veterans, their spouses, and dependents in securing eligible entitlements and benefits under the provisions of RCW 73.08. The role involves reporting administrative and program services, acting as administrator for Veterans Relief Funding, ensuring compliance with State and Federal programs, and staying informed of legislative impacts. The officer will prepare materials for and present to the Franklin County Veteran’s Advisory Board, and advise veterans on various issues including financial assistance, education, medical needs, and more. This role also includes researching and gathering evidence for claims, providing counseling, establishing liaison with other agencies, promoting community outreach, and assisting in organizing Veteran activities. A public information program will be developed and implemented, and grant opportunities will be researched and pursued. The officer may also attend funerals of indigent Veterans and perform outreach to veterans with barriers to on-site contact. Maintaining electronic and paper filing systems, databases, and reports is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

Three years of social services experience OR Any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
Knowledge of the Veteran’s Service Office, its activities, and the services and programs available to Veterans.
Knowledge of the laws relating to the benefits available to Veterans under a wide variety of federal, state and local veterans benefit programs.
Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.
Knowledge of the County’s and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
Knowledge of current office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of operation of standard office equipment and software consistent with this position.
Skilled in counseling and assisting Veterans and their families regarding benefits and services.
Skilled in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
Ability to read, analyze, research and interpret complex provisions and laws for individual case use.
Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of the Public Records Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.
Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier.
Honorable discharge from military service with not less than two years’ continuous service or the completion of one full-term service.

Nice To Haves

Veterans Service Officer (VSO) accreditation obtained through the Washington Department of Veteran’s Affairs (WDVA) within six months of employment.
Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.

Responsibilities

Reports administrative and program services, along with policies and procedures, to the responsible boards to identify desirable outcomes.
Acts as administrator for Veterans Relief Funding.
Ensures all mandated State and Federal programs are carried out in accordance with established requirements.
Maintains knowledge of current County, State, and Federal Rules and Regulations.
Monitors legislative proposals that will impact the department and keeps the Human Services Director informed.
Prepares materials, information, and presents to the Franklin County Veteran’s Advisory Board meetings.
Advises and assists veterans, service personnel and their dependents and survivors in filing applications and other supportive evidence to the VA as claims for or to maintain benefits.
Examines military and residency documentation to determine and establish eligibility.
Assists those qualified for state Veterans’ benefits.
Reviews ratings from the VA and provides assistance with appeals resulting from unsuccessful claims and applications.
Counsels, advises, and aids claimants on issues including financial assistance, educational assistance, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse, shelter, vocational adjustment and mortuary affairs.
Researches and gathers supporting evidence for various claims on behalf of claimants as requested.
Provides counseling and assistance to Veterans and claimants directly or through referral.
Establishes contacts and serves as liaison to other Veterans’ and public agencies and promotes ongoing awareness of Veteran’s needs.
Attends and promotes community outreach to promote the duties of the office and benefit entitlement information.
Assists in organizing and/or participates in major Veteran activities in the counties.
Plans, directs, and implements a public information program to communicate Veterans’ programs.
Researches grant opportunities and writes grants for additional funding for veteran’s services.
Attends the funerals of indigent Veterans when appropriate.
Performs outreach to assist veterans who may have barriers to on-site contact (ie nursing homes, hospitals, etc) as needed.
Enters, scans, updates, and maintains information in spreadsheets, databases, and reports.
Maintains electronic filing, paper filing, and record systems to provide easy access to records and information; provides retention of records as required by Department and County policies.
Performs other duties as assigned.