Veterans Service Representative

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health and Human Services! The Humboldt County Veterans Service Office has a staff of four to assist veterans, their dependents and survivors, and the general public in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. We provide advocacy to the veteran community regarding entitlement rights to federal, state and local benefit programs.

What You'll Do:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

• Outreach and Education: They may participate in outreach events and educational presentations to inform the community about veterans' benefits and services.
• Interviewing and Assessment: Veterans Service Representatives conduct interviews with veterans and their families to understand their needs and identify potential benefits they may be eligible for.
• Benefit Application: They assist veterans in preparing and submitting claims for various benefits, including compensation, pensions, insurance, education, healthcare, and burial benefits.

Where You'll Do It: 

This position is located at 1105 Sixth St #F Eureka, CA
A typical schedule for this position is Monday thru Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM, with the possibility of additional hours for outreach during the weekend and or evenings

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, counsels veterans and family members and assists them in obtaining their full range of services and benefits; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

This is a technical specialty class which requires a knowledge of plans, services, benefits and options available to 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 socio-economic groups. This class is distinguished from Veterans Service Officer in that the latter has overall program management and supervisory responsibility.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• 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 veterans 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 to hospitals and convalescent homes to assist clients in completing and submitting necessary applications for benefits.
• Attends meetings and addresses civic, veterans, and other community service organizations regarding veterans benefits, including compiling and submitting activity reports.
• Prepares bulletins publicizing the program; maintains records and prepares reports of work performed.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Other Requirements:

 Must possess a valid California driver's license.

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).

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Two years of fiscal, legal or general office support work at a level equivalent to the County's classes of Fiscal Assistant II, Legal Office Assistant II or Office Assistant II.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
 

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
 

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

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

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.