Veterans Service Representative I

County of Contra Costa; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

County Veterans Service Office in Contra Costa County seeks a Veterans Service Representative I to assist Veterans in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits. You will interview clients to identify eligible programs, help with claims and appeals, and document case notes.

A bachelor’s degree is required and accreditation with USDVA is expected during probation. The role requires strong analytical, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to handle multiple claims with care and

Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of professional experience providing one-on-one eligibility and counseling services or Veterans benefits counseling.
• Experience researching and analyzing laws, regulations, and programs related to benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead interviews with Veterans to determine eligible benefits.
• Assist Veterans in applying for Federal and State benefits.
• Manage multiple claims and appeals for Veterans across programs.
• Document case notes and provide status updates to clients.
• Network with Federal, State, and local agencies on behalf of clients.

Skills

Interviewing

Counseling

Research & Analysis

Case Management

Documentation

Communication

Networking

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Non-Supervisory Management

Why join the Contra Costa Veterans Service Office?

Veterans' benefits programs are important to millions of Americans. Approximately one-third of the U.S. population is potentially eligible for federal Veterans' benefits. Veterans are THE reason this department exists, our common purpose, and we direct our efforts toward meeting their needs.

The Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office was created to help local Veterans and their families obtain Veterans' benefits from federal, state, and local agencies. Since the department's inception, the Board of Supervisors has continued to recognize the need for professional Veterans' advocates to provide claims assistance to the 50,000 Veterans and their families who reside in this county. Because of this, we maintain the willingness to change and are flexible in our attitudes.

County Veterans Service Offices play an important role in a national Veteran's advocacy network. We work in concert with state employees, Veterans service organizations, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff to secure clients' benefits. We are often the initial contact for Veterans in the community. Therefore, it is important to us that our first contact with a Veteran be a positive experience. We believe that respect, integrity, trust, and fairness are the hallmarks of all our interactions and we value a culture where everyone is involved, accountable, respected, and appreciated.

This recruitment will be used to fill one vacancy.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about helping Veterans
• Thorough and responsive in their work
• Able to learn laws, policies, and procedures quickly

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Effectively leading interviews with Veterans to understand which benefits they are eligible to apply for
• Assisting Veterans in applying for Federal and State benefits
• Managing multiple claims and appeals for Veterans regarding a variety of programs
• Thoroughly documenting case notes and providing status updates to your clients
• Networking with Federal, State, and local agencies on behalf of your clients

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will make a positive impact on the lives of Veterans and their families by helping them get the services they need
• You will work with others who are passionate about helping Veterans
• You will be working in an environment that values respect, integrity, trust, and fairness

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will encounter Veterans who have had traumatic experiences
• You typically have lots of interaction with others – if you like to work alone, this could be difficult
• We have high standards for performance and quality of work

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Industry Monitoring: Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs/4161

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional experience providing one‑on‑one eligibility and counseling services to clients of state and federal programs including claim preparation and appeal assistance OR, two (2) years of experience providing Veterans benefits claim assistance and client services within a Veterans Service Office. Qualifying experience must include research and analysis of pertinent laws, regulations, and programs.

Substitution for Education

Additional professional experience providing Veterans benefits counseling may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Substitution for Experience

Active Duty experience as a commissioned officer or a non‑commissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

Special Requirement

As a condition of employment and within the probationary period, the incumbent shall obtain United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) accreditation through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 14.629.

Application Filing and Evaluation

Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

Online Interview Assessment

Candidates that possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online Interview Assessment. The assessment is designed to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Veterans Service Representative I classification. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies assessed, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include but are not limited to: Decision Making, Legal and Regulatory Navigation, Professional and Technical Expertise, Displaying Ownership and Accountability, and Coaching and Developing Others. (Weighted: 100%)

Tentative Dates:

Online Interview Assessment: 9/4/2026-9/10/2026

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.