County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Veterans Service Officer, to interview, advise and assist veterans and their dependents in understanding and obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled under Federal, State and local legislation; provides information about available services and arranges for referral to appropriate community resources; and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents of positions in this class perform veteran benefits advice, information and assistance services. The Veterans Service Representative is a journey-level class located in the Adult and Aging Services Division of the Social Services Agency. Incumbents are expected to gather, arrange and evaluate a large volume of diversified data to establish veteran’s eligibility for entitlements as provided by Federal, State and local legislation. It is distinguished from the higher-level class of Veterans Service Officer in that the latter class serves as the Representative of the Social Services Agency in any matters pertaining to veteran’s affairs. Within one year of employment, must be accredited by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations 14.629).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.
1. Prepares and submits appeals contesting decisions which have denied veteran’s claims or benefit amounts awarded veterans.
2. Researches and evaluates applicability of regulations and documents supporting claims.
3. Interviews veterans and dependents for information needed to determine eligibility for a variety of benefits and services; discusses sensitive issues (e.g. marital or medical history) with veterans and their dependents; advises and assists them in establishing their rights to veteran’s benefits such as pensions, education, insurance, compensation, hospitalization, home loans, out-patient medical care and burial.
4. Processes applications for benefits; answers general inquiries made by phone or in person; provides information regarding claims procedures and eligibility criteria.
5. Communicates with representatives of other agencies to determine status or explain the circumstances of claims submitted.
6. Prepares and maintains work records and case files; prepares transmittal letters; orders documents (e.g. marriage licenses, medical records, school transcripts).
7. Inputs, accesses, and analyzes data using a personal computer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Eligibility Technician I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of two years full-time experience in a position that required determining eligibility, computing budgets or public assistance, or assisting in veteran’s benefits, in a recognized veteran’s service office of a Federal, State or County government, or a recognized public or private veteran’s service organization.

Or III

The equivalent of two years full-time experience assisting in veteran’s benefits, in a recognized public or private veteran’s service office.

Special Requirements
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local rules and regulations applicable to veteran’s rights and benefit programs.
• Problem-solving assessment and techniques used to clarify or resolve discrepancies between regulatory guidelines and claims and supportive evidence.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Claims and appeals practices and procedures.
• Basic personal computer applications.
• Crisis intervention.

Ability to:
• Understand, interpret and apply complex laws and regulations on the rights and benefits of consumers.
• Analyze and evaluate situations, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.
• Working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Prepare clear, concise correspondence and maintain records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the general public, other departments, and other groups and organizations.
• Work with diverse individuals and groups.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DF:bl
05/04/00
jobspecs\1476
DF:co 4/19/00
CSC Date: 5/10/00
IB:cs Revised 2/23/11
CSC Date: 3/23/11

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.