Under immediate supervision, counsels, advises and provides advocacy to veterans, their dependents or survivors on federal, state and local veteran’s benefits and rights; prepares and transmits claims for benefits; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the Veterans Service Representative series. Incumbents initially work under close supervision, but as knowledge and experience are gained, supervision becomes more general. This class is distinguished from the Veterans Service Representative II in that the latter class is the journey level class.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists with the preparation of claims packages; completes claims forms and documents for submission to the Veterans Administration for a wide range of veteran and survivor benefits; advises claimants of required supporting documentation; insures documentation is included in claim package when possible.
Assists clients in securing evidence to complete claim package, including legal documents, medical records, service records and other documentation which supports entitlement to benefits.
Provides information regarding benefits available to veterans and/or their dependents, including conditions of entitlement; advises clients about and explains vocational, educational, financial, and medical rights and benefits; provides information regarding community resources.
Assists with verifying entitlement to benefits for non-veteran administration programs; invites claim action as appropriate; coordinates with other County agencies.
Assists with outreach; may address groups regarding functions and responsibilities of the office; may make visits to homes, hospitals or other sites as required.
May maintain liaison with veterans’ organizations and community organizations.
Prepares and maintains reports and correspondence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university with course work in military science, business or public administration, psychology, health science, social science or a related field.
Experience: Either 1) one year of clerical or administrative support experience in a county veterans’ service office, a veterans’ service contact office, or a Veterans’ Administration regional office; OR 2) one year of technical administrative experience in government, military, or in fields similar to health care or social services, disability insurance claims, or social security that included interviewing or obtaining information from clients to determine their eligibility for services or program benefits, as well as researching and explaining policies, laws, and/or regulations; OR 3) lived experience applying for a variety of veteran-specific benefits as a veteran or active duty service member with relevant experience and knowledge of military/Veterans Administration.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis where one year of experience is considered equivalent to 30 semester (or 45 quarter) college units.
Special Requirements: Must complete a course of instruction in Veterans Benefits as prescribed by Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations 14.629 AND become accredited by the California Department of Veterans Affairs as a Service Organization Representative within one year of appointment. Failure to obtain and maintain accreditation may result in release of employment.
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic veterans’ benefit programs and obligations; basic interviewing and public relations techniques; methods of data collection and evaluation; basic principles of human behavior; basic methods and techniques of maintaining records and filing systems; modern office automation technology and standard computer software programs.
ABILITY
Read, understand, and apply laws and regulations pertaining to veterans’ rights, benefits and obligations; elicit information from veterans and their family members; collect, interpret, analyze, and assemble data from various sources into a claim; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; operate computers and related software and apply computer applications to departmental functions; make daily travel throughout San Joaquin County; make daily travel throughout San Joaquin County; prepare and give public presentations; prepare reports and correspondence; maintain records.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time; driving; occasional pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; read computer screens; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity–reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking; deal with emergency situations; Special Requirements—some assignments may require working weekends/nights; working alone; Environmental—occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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