Veterans Services Officer

Veterans Services Officer

Job ID: 107064
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:Regular

CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES



Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

Service Professionalism Integrity Respect Individual accountability Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County SPIRIT.

Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.



CLOSE DATE

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.


PAY AND BENEFITS

Annual Pay Range: $59,925.25 - $75,798.22

Hourly Pay Range: $28.810215 - $36.441450

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
  • ???????Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 - Vacation Leave! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.

Employees' Association (EA) Full Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits


JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Clackamas County Social Services Division is currently seeking a Veterans Services Officer to join their team within the Veterans Service Office. The Veterans Services Officer counsels and assists veterans and their dependents in determining eligibility for benefits and obtaining veterans benefits. As a Veterans Services Officer, primary responsibilities are managing a caseload on behalf of veterans pursuing active claims, and advocates for clients through the appeal process, as well as act as a liaison with other agencies for the purpose of reference and referral.

Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills, ability to work well individually and as part of a team, and ability to advocate for clients effectively.

The Veterans Service Office within the Social Services Division of the Health, Housing & Human Services Department provides counseling and assistance to veterans with their federal and state veteran's benefits as well as entitlements for the veteran, their dependents and survivors.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• A minimum of one (1) year of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
• Experience conducting community outreach
• Experience determining eligibility for benefits and services
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the County's drug testing policy.
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy.

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience with case management
• Experience working with veterans, veterans benefits, and/or veterans programs and services
• Experience advocating for clients through appeals processes
• Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs County Veteran Service Officers certification

Other Qualifications:

• Successful completion of Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs County Veteran Service Officers certification program within one (1) year of hire

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.


TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Interviews veterans and their dependents to counsel and advise on entitled rights and eligibility requirements for benefits under federal and state laws; interprets and explains relevant legislation; determines eligibility for monetary and non-monetary benefits.
2. Assists clients in obtaining veterans benefits by initiating and preparing claims and obtaining supporting documentation; reviews claims for completeness and accuracy; submits claims.
3. Provides technical assistance and advocates for clients through the benefit application process; monitors status of application; keeps client informed of status of claim as appropriate.
4. Researches, analyzes, and investigates denied benefit claims, collects and develops evidence, and prepares and submits documentation in support of the formal appeals process; may prepare case and present evidence before hearings officers.
5. Acts as a liaison with other agencies for the purpose of reference and referral to help resolve client disputes or problems; identifies potential issues and refers client to appropriate provider; visits service providers or community agencies to educate on agency services or veterans' benefits; advises clients of available community resources.
6. Represents the department with other agencies and at veterans related public events; researches information to promote the department and its services.
7. Participates in professional development activities such as veteran's benefits related trainings and conferences; maintains current knowledge of benefits and related legislation regarding veterans and their dependents.
8. Represents the department with other agencies and at veterans related public events within the community; researches information to promote the department and its services.
9. General office work including backing up reception staff when out of the office.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of: Federal and state veterans related legislation, regulations, and policies; claims administration, legal and medical documentation, and processes necessary to substantiate benefit claims; principles and practices of social service delivery theory to identify needs, decide appropriate needs, and determine appropriate action; a wide range of community resources for veterans or dependents.

Working knowledge of: Issues related to veterans; basic math, English grammar and composition; record keeping procedures and basic statistical methods; cultural diversity issues; medical terminology and physical and mental health issues in order to facilitate the claims process; and principles and techniques of public relations and interpersonal communication.

Skill to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; interpret and apply various laws and regulations related to veterans benefits; research and analyze factual information and apply appropriate laws or regulations; determine appropriate course of action; develop cohesive documentation for applications and appeals; effectively interview individuals to obtain relevant personal information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, veterans services agencies, and community contacts; operate computer hardware, software, and other office equipment; perform simple mathematical calculations.


WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off):

• Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department's business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer.
• Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

Explore Clackamas County

Working for Clackamas County

Recreation, Arts & Heritage

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Social Services Division provides assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income residents of Clackamas County.

Social Services is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.

Learn more about Clackamas County Social Services.


APPLICATION PROCESS

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

Application Process

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Request Veterans' Preference

Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.


RECRUITING QUESTIONS?

Kelly Schaefer, Recruiter
KSchaefer@clackamas.us


To apply, visit https://hrapp.clackamas.us/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&JobOpeningId=107064&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=1&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant



jeid-13b5bf7cc9cd14469144b811f78ee1d5