Veterans Service Officer Jobs

Description

We have one full-time Veterans Services Officer position available in our Behavioral Health and Veterans Services Division in the Human Services Department. Our Veterans team is a dedicated group solely focused on helping Veterans most in need to improve their situation and thrive.

Human Services Department Mission is to help all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.

The Human Services Department includes 300 diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from 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 at Snohomish County.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Issues vouchers for emergency financial assistance; enters required data into client database.
• Networks with corresponding program staff in surrounding counties to identify persons using veterans' assistance funds in more than one county.
• Provides staff support to Veterans' Assistance Fund Board committees.
• Provides outreach to outlying areas of the county for veterans in need of emergency vouchers or other services who cannot travel to Everett.
• Identifies new areas of concern regarding veterans' issues and needs; attempts to quantify anticipated program impact and adjusts allocations accordingly to meet the need.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists clients in filing claims with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for VA entitlements and benefits.
• Assists veterans, as needed, in developing plans that will help them become and remain self-sufficient.

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Standard office practices and procedures
• How to gather and analyze program data and calculate mathematical or statistical data
• VA Veterans Benefits and applicable RCW's
• Human services and governmental agencies, programs and resources
• Develop veterans' services programs, plans for services and operations
• Public customer service

Ability to:

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

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.