Veterans Service Officer

Klickitat County; White Salmon (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Klickitat County seeks a Veterans Service Officer in White Salmon, WA to assist veterans and dependents with federal and state benefits. This non-exempt, part-time casual role involves advising on rights, initiating claims, and coordinating with VA facilities and WDVA reports.

The position requires knowledge of veteran benefits programs, strong interviewing skills, and proficiency with common computer tools. Eligibility favors honorably discharged veterans; valid WA driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety and legal requirements for the position.
• Any equivalent education/experience that provides necessary skills.
• Three years experience in the veteran service field; college coursework may substitute for up to one year.
• Significant knowledge of programs, laws and rules relating to veteran benefits.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training acceptable.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Only honorably discharged veterans may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterans and dependents in applying for federal benefits and appealing denied claims.
• Help obtain inpatient/outpatient care from VA facilities and outreach programs.
• Advise on rights under Military Service Benefits Acts and related laws.
• Interview veterans to obtain case history for eligibility determinations.
• Review and file veteran benefit claims.
• Maintain liaison with other veterans’ service agencies.
• Speak at veteran organizations when requested.
• Provide quarterly WDVA status reports to the Auditor.
• Obtain accreditation with USDVA within 60 days.
• Review indigent expense reimbursements for compliance with guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Veteran service experience

Public administration knowledge

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Interviewing and case history

Benefits programs knowledge

Education

College coursework in public administration

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Veterans Service Officer-Auditors Office-White Salmon WA -Non-Exempt -Part -Casual- 16/hr week. Grade 67, Steps 1-3, $28.83-$30.58/hr. DOQ. First Review 11/13/2026, Open Until Filled

Counsels, advises and assists military service veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits provided by county, state and federal laws.

1. Assist veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits and appealing denied claims from the United States of Veteran Affairs Regional Office (VARO) by initiating or reopening claims.
2. Assist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMC) and other available outreach programs.
3. Advise veterans, veteran’s survivors and their dependents of their rights under Military Service Benefits Acts and other relevant legislation.
4. Investigate and interview veterans and their dependents to obtain a comprehensive case history for determination of eligibility for aid and benefits.
5. Reviews and file claims for veteran benefits.
6. Develops and maintains close liaison with other veterans’ service agencies.
7. Speaks at veteran organizations, as requested.
8. Provide the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs’ quarterly status report (as received from WDVA) to the Auditor.
9. Obtain Department of Veteran Affairs accreditation through the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) within 60 days.
10. Review and report to the Auditor (or their designee) all indigent expense reimbursement claims from Klickitat County’s American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts for compliance with the Klickitat County Veteran Assistance Fund Guidelines.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements. This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Three years experience in the veteran service field. College level course work or training in public administration or an area related to the position may substitute for up to one year experience.
• Significant knowledge of programs, laws, and rules relating to veteran’s benefits.
• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which insure ability to perform the work may substitute for the above.
• Proficient in use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Only individuals who are honorably discharged veterans as defined by RCW 41.04.007 may be considered.

Valid state driver's license in state of residence

Accreditation through United States Department of Veteran Affairs