Veterans Service Officer

Snohomish County, WA; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Snohomish County is seeking a full-time Veterans Service Officer to support the Behavioral Health and Veterans Services Division within the Human Services Department. The role focuses on helping eligible veterans and their families access emergency vouchers, VA benefits, and local resources.

The position requires an associate’s degree in a related field and two years of veterans’ services experience, plus the ability to work across county partners and outreach to hard-to-reach veterans.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance, office administration or closely related field; PLUS two (2) years of experience performing office work with veterans' related services or community support services; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience. Must pass job related tests.

Responsibilities

• Interviews veterans and/or their families to determine eligibility for emergency vouchers and related services; assesses needs and barriers, identifies problems and gathers information regarding need and possible eligibility for community resources.
• Issues vouchers for emergency financial assistance; enters required data into client database.
• Assists clients in filing claims with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for VA entitlements and benefits.
• Responds to requests from veterans incarcerated in the Snohomish County Jail for assistance in accessing veterans' services. Arranges for post jail release services that can include substance use disorder treatment.
• Provides outreach to outlying areas of the county for veterans in need of emergency vouchers or other services who cannot travel to Everett.
• Assists veterans, as needed, in developing plans that will help them become and remain self-sufficient.
• Networks and collaborates with veterans' organizations, other County Departments and community providers to increase available services for veterans.
• Maintains computer based voucher system to track client data and voucher accounting and completes the voucher process in a timely manner to ensure prompt payment of vendors.
• Networks with corresponding program staff in surrounding counties to identify persons using veterans' assistance funds in more than one county.
• Identifies new areas of concern regarding veterans' issues and needs; attempts to quantify anticipated program impact and adjusts allocations accordingly to meet the need.
• Provides staff support to Veterans' Assistance Fund Board committees.

Skills

Interviewing veterans

Public customer service

Data analysis

Record keeping

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in related field

Job description

Description

Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team! We have one (1) full-time Veterans Service Officer positions available in our Behavioral Health and Veterans Services Division in the Human Services Department.

About Human Services

The Human Services Department mission is to help all people meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community. The Human Services Department consists of approximately 350+ diverse, friendly, and dedicated employees who receive outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career with Snohomish County Government.

Equity and Trauma-Informed

Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.

Job Offers

Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Contact

Please reach out to Joeann Turck at [e-mail] with any questions regarding this posting.

BASIC FUNCTION

To provide emergency assistance to eligible veterans and their families in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and county procedures. To connect veterans and their families to services available through local agencies and the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Interviews veterans and/or their families to determine eligibility for emergency vouchers and related services; assesses needs and barriers, identifies problems and gathers information regarding need and possible eligibility for community resources. Documents eligibility and checks client database to determine status of veteran.
• Issues vouchers for emergency financial assistance; enters required data into client database.
• Assists clients in filing claims with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for VA entitlements and benefits.
• Responds to requests from veterans incarcerated in the Snohomish County Jail for assistance in accessing veterans' services. Arranges for post jail release services that can include substance use disorder treatment.
• Provides outreach to outlying areas of the county for veterans in need of emergency vouchers or other services who cannot travel to Everett.
• Assists veterans, as needed, in developing plans that will help them become and remain self-sufficient.
• Networks and collaborates with veterans' organizations, other County Departments and community providers to increase available services for veterans. Provides information and referral at veterans' information fairs, stand-downs, and other venues that may reach veterans.
• Maintains computer based voucher system to track client data and voucher accounting and completes the voucher process in a timely manner to ensure prompt payment of vendors.
• Networks with corresponding program staff in surrounding counties to identify persons using veterans' assistance funds in more than one county.
• Identifies new areas of concern regarding veterans' issues and needs; attempts to quantify anticipated program impact and adjusts allocations accordingly to meet the need.
• Provides staff support to Veterans' Assistance Fund Board committees.

Statement Of Other Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance, office administration or closely related field; PLUS two (2) years of experience performing office work with veterans' related services or community support services; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience. Must pass job related tests.

Special Requirements

• Must be an honorably discharged veteran.
• Must have a valid State of Washington Driver's License.

Knowledge And Abilities

• standard office practices and procedures
• human services and governmental agencies, programs and resources
• public customer service
• VA Veterans Benefits and applicable RCW's
• how to gather and analyze program data and calculate mathematical or statistical data
• develop veterans' services programs, plans for services and operations

Ability To

• apply veteran relevant RCWs, SCC, and USDVA benefits and entitlements
• effectively interview clients, determine courses of action and evaluate individual progress
• establish and maintain rapport with clients, guide them toward positive goals and communicate with them in both supportive and confrontational modes
• communicate effectively with people regardless of age, sex or social, economic or cultural backgrounds, including persons with social or behavioral problems
• express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with humans service and veterans service system officials, community organization and agency staff, associates and other county employees and the public
• follow oral and written instructions
• maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports
• exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority
• read, interpret and apply work-related laws, rules and other regulations
• perform data entry, word processing and other computer related tasks
• operate a motor-vehicle

SUPERVISION

The employee receives general direction from Lead in work unit or assigned supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in the usual office environment with trips to locations throughout the county to provide outreach to housebound veterans and to attend community meetings as necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.

County Benefits

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/Benefits to learn more about the following benefits.

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro-rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Additional Benefit Information

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide to learn more.