Veterans Service Representative

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule.  County website

General Statement of Duties:

Under general direction, to assist with coordinating, administering, and providing a program of veteran's services and benefits as provided by federal, state, and local agency monies and regulations; to counsel and advise veterans and dependents on their benefits; to perform complex office support work; and to do related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a specialized classification for carrying out the veterans services program in Siskiyou County.  Responsibilities include claims processing, counseling, and office support work.  This class is distinguished from Veteran Service Representative II in that the Veterans Service Representative II performs more complex veterans service assistance requiri­ng more comprehensive knowledge and utilization of veterans service resources under limited supervision.

Reports to:

Veterans Services Officer

Classifications Supervised:

This is not a supervisory class.

Essential Functions:

• Assists with coordinating and administering a program of veterans services under the guidelines of federal and state agencies.
• Counsels and assists veterans and their depend­ents with initiating, developing, and processing claims for disability compensation, pensions, insurance  benefits, vocational rehabilitation, hospitalization, medical care, loan guarantee benefits, and civil service benefits.
• Procures necessary information, records, and affidavits to support claims; assists with the preparation of appeals to denials of veterans benefits and claims; maintains current knowledge of changes in laws and regulations affecting veterans benefits.
• Develops and maintains communication and contact with local organizations concerned with veterans programs; assists with the development and distribution of information concerning veterans benefits and programs related to education, disability, pensions, employment, and loans.
• Assists with the development and administration of the Veterans Services budget and  monitors expenditures.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for veterans services functions  for veterans and their families.
• Performs a variety of records maintenance and specialized office support assignments related to the Veterans Services Program.

Knowledge of:

• Policies, operations, and functions of the county Veterans Service Program.
• Laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting veterans services and assis­tance.
• Community resources and local agencies related to veterans services.
• Interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Modern office methods, filing systems, and procedures.
• Computers and software used in program support work and veterans service claims processing.

Desired Skills:

• Read, interpret, apply, and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regula­tions  governing veterans benefits and services.
• Learn to provide effective counseling regarding benefits and services to veterans.
• Research, analyze, and develop documentation for claims.
• Perform a variety of difficult and complex office and administrative support assignments.
• Collect, compile, and analyze a variety of information.
• Use word processing software at sufficient speed to accomplish work assign­ments.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of Veterans Service Program support work.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn to effectively represent the Veterans Services Program in responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with public and community organization concerns about veterans services.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  

A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• Two years of responsible work experience in providing program services and performing a variety of office and administrative support work. 
• Previous experience working in a Veterans services program and with Veterans claims processing is highly desirable.  
• Must be a veteran of a branch of the armed forces.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current and valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, accreditation from the California Department of Veterans Affairs within the first six months of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, accreditation from the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
• Must be fingerprinted and receive employment clearance from the California Department of Justice. 

Typical Physical Requirements:

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including com­puter, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.