Job description
CURRENT VACANCY IS WITHIN THE
VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE OF SHASTA COUNTY
ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2023
SKILLS OR EXPERIENCES LISTED UNDER THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
STATEMENT MAY ALSO BE USED TO SCREEN APPLICATIONS
SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING
POSSESSION OF A VALID
DRIVER’S LICENSE
AND APPROPRIATE ACCREDITATION
RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED
FINAL FILING DATE: MAY 05, 2023 AT 5:00 PM
SALARY INFORMATION
Veterans Services Representative I: $3,134 - $3,999 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $18.08 - $23.07 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
Veterans Services Representative II: $3,540 - $4,518 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $20.42 - $26.07 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
Veterans Services Representative III: $3,717 - $4,744 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $21.44 - $27.37 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous
ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY
Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Veterans Services Office
The Veterans Services Office assists veterans, their dependents, and survivors with obtaining entitlements from federal, state, and local agencies administering programs for veterans. This department advocates for veterans rights and their families.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Veterans Services Representative I: Under supervision, to learn to assist military veterans and their spouses and dependents in obtaining rights and benefits conferred by federal, state, and local legislation; and to do other work as required.
Veterans Services Representative II: Same as above, under general supervision.
Veterans Services Representative III: Under limited supervision, the Veterans Services Representative III acts in the role of lead worker performing the most difficult, technical, and specialized support in assisting veterans and family members in obtaining the full range of services and benefits they are entitled. Under the direction of the Veterans Service Officer, incumbents may provide direction and/or training to a small staff of Veterans Services Representatives and support staff. Veterans Services Representative III is responsible to act as Supervisor in absence of the Veterans Services Officer; and performs other work as assigned.
DISTINQUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Veterans Services Representative I: This is the entry/trainee level classification in the Veterans Services Representative series. Employees in this class receive training and are supervised in the performance of duties related to federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and a broad range of Veterans Services activities. As requisite skills and knowledge are developed, greater independence and the full scope of responsibility are exercised. Employees are eligible to promote to Veterans Services Representative II after one (1) year of satisfactory performance at the entry/trainee level.
Veterans Services Representative II: This is the journey level class in the Veterans Services Representative Series. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the more difficult veteran’s benefits, services, and assist in managing the office as directed by the Veteran Service Officer. The Veterans Services Representative II differs from the Veterans Services Representative III in that the latter may provide lead direction and act in the role of supervisor in the absence of the Veteran Service Officer.
Veterans Services Representative III: This is the advanced journey level in the Veterans Services Representative Series. Incumbents act in the role of lead worker and are expected to manage the most complex and technical service work. Under the direction of the Veterans Service Officer, incumbents may provide direction and/or training to Veterans Services Representatives and support staff. Veterans Services Representative III is responsible to act as Supervisor in absence of the Veterans Services Officer.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States and have a basic knowledge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including the composition, function, and purpose; the ability to work in a fast-paced office with a heavy client workload; work effectively both independently and in a team environment; the desire to assist Veterans and their eligible dependents with their claims; be fully accredited by the Office of General Counsel and have CalVet accreditation; and the ability to diffuse potentially volatile or emotionally charged situations. The Ideal Candidate will be able to represent the Veterans Services Office at various community events and alternate work locations, which may include working occasional weekends/holidays. Additionally, the candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook software, and conducting internet searches; have the ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports and records and establish and maintain systematic records. Ability to type no less than 45 WPM is preferred.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Veterans Services Representative I: Learns and develops an in-depth understanding of local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veteran benefits and community resources; interviews and advises veterans, their dependents, and spouses of the rights and benefits conferred by federal, state, or local laws regarding compensation, educational or vocational rehabilitation, pensions, hospitalization, and outpatient medical care, home loans, housing, tax exemptions, burial benefits, and other veteran benefits; assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining and presenting evidence to establish entitlement to veterans benefits; prepares, submits and tracks legal claim documents to the proper adjudicating authority using automated systems; processes applications for veteran benefits; refers veterans and their dependents to other governmental agencies, veterans groups, and community service organizations to connect them to direct services and other veteran-related benefits; corresponds with the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), local and state governmental agencies, and with veterans regarding claims or benefits; prepares and submits appeals from apparently unjust or incorrect claim decisions; arranges for outpatient medical care of disabled veterans; prepares descriptive and statistical reports including ratio and percentage computations and the use of standardized formulas, charts and tables; and completes other duties as assigned.
For Outreach Option: In addition to the general duties: Visits clients in assisted living facilities, hospitals, probation departments, and jails for the purpose of obtaining and verifying information related to the eligibility of veteran’s benefits; represents and promotes the department at outreach events, colleges, and veterans resource centers. Travel to outlying communities may be required.
Veterans Services Representative II: Utilizes an in-depth understanding of local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veteran benefits and community resources; interviews and advises veterans, their dependents, and spouses of the rights and benefits conferred by federal, state, or local laws regarding compensation, education or vocational rehabilitation, insurance, loans, pensions, hospitalization and outpatient medical care, home loans, housing, tax exemptions, burial benefits, and other veteran benefits; assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining and presenting evidence to establish entitlement to veterans benefits; prepares, submits and tracks legal claim documents to the proper adjudicating authority using automated systems; processes applications for veteran benefits; refers veterans and their dependents to other governmental agencies, veterans groups, and community service organizations to connect them to direct services and other veteran-related benefits; prepares and submits appeals from apparently unjust or incorrect decisions on claims; arranges for outpatient medical care of disabled veterans; prepares descriptive and statistical reports including ration and percentage computations and the use of standardized formulas, charts and tables; acts as an advocate for the veteran and/or dependents by representing veterans or dependents before the Veteran’s Administration or other agencies in presenting claims or in appeals for benefits previously denied; obtains additional funding for the office under the Med-Cal Cost Avoidance Program by verifying and determining potential entitlement to veteran benefits.
Veterans Services Representative III: Under the direction of the Veterans Service Officer, may provide direction, assistance, training, work review, and evaluation to a small technical support staff; may assist with supervision and acts as Supervisor during the absence of the Veterans Services Officer; interviews and advises, veterans, their spouses, and dependents, concerning the rights and benefits conferred by federal, state, or local laws regarding compensation, education or vocational rehabilitation, pensions, hospitalization, outpatient medical care, insurance, home loans, housing, tax exemptions, burial benefits, and other veteran benefits; refers veterans and their dependents to other governmental agencies, veterans groups, and community service organizations to connect them to direct services and other veteran-related benefits; interprets and explains local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to veterans benefits and community resources; prepares, submits, and tracks legal claim documents to the proper adjudicating authority using automated systems; acts as an advocate for the veteran and/or dependents by representing the veterans or dependents before the Veterans Administration or other agencies in prosecuting claims or in appealing for benefits previously denied; assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining and presenting evidence to establish entitlement to veterans benefits; makes home calls and visits to hospitals and convalescent homes to assist clients in completing and submitting necessary applications for veterans benefits; prepares descriptive and statistical reports as well as compiles activity reports for submission to the state and federal governments regarding number of claims and production figures by aid categories; arranges outpatient medical care of disabled veterans; attends meetings and addresses civic, veteran, and other community service organizations regarding veterans benefits; prepares bulletins and reports publicizing the program.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:
Veterans Services Representative I:
Knowledge of: Interviewing and counseling techniques; problem solving techniques; state, federal and community organizations available to provide services to veterans and their dependents, and their functions; basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; basic data processing principles and the use of modern office equipment, including computer software.
Ability to: Learn complex laws and regulations concerning the rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents; learn the Veterans claim and appeal practices and procedures and assist clients in the preparation of claim forms, appeals, and related correspondence; prepare, maintain, and process records and reports relating to veterans claims; prepare, maintain, and process records and reports in relation to veterans claims; use problem solving techniques to clarify and/or resolve discrepancies between regulatory guidelines and veterans claims; interview effectively, explain veteran benefit programs to clients and counsel accordingly; establish and maintain effective working relationships; operate standard office equipment, including typing with sufficient skill to complete forms and enter information into an automated computer system; work independently; coordinate the compilation of information and evidence required to establish veteran benefit eligibility; prepare clear and comprehensive reports and records, correspondence, and other written material; interact with hostile or agitated clients; exercise sound judgement within established guidelines; act as a successful advocate for veterans and their dependents.
These employment standards are typically attained with one year of experience requiring public contact or counseling work or one year of experience performing clerical work in a veteran’s service office.
Veterans Services Representative II:
Knowledge of: Provisions of federal, state and local legislation, rules or regulations relating to veteran benefit programs and services, and applicable court decisions; veterans claim and appeal practices and procedures; interviewing and counseling techniques; problem solving techniques; medical terms used in legislation, regulations, and claims presentation; state, federal and community organizations available to provide services to veterans and their dependents, and their functions; basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to: Interpret and apply complex laws and regulations concerning the rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents; assist clients in the preparation of claim forms, appeals and related correspondence; explain case histories, policies and legislation clearly; use problem-solving techniques to clarify or resolve discrepancies between regulatory guidelines and veterans claims; interact with hostile and agitated clients; prepare, maintain and process records and reports relating to veterans claims; interview effectively, explain veteran benefit programs to clients, and counsel accordingly; establish and maintain effective working relationships; exercise sound judgement within established deadlines; act as a successful advocate for veterans and their dependents; operate standard office equipment, including typing with sufficient skill to complete forms and enter information into a computer system; work independently; coordinate the compilation of information and evidence required to establish veteran benefit eligibility.
These employment standards are typically attained with one year of experience equivalent to a Veterans Service Representative I with the County of Shasta.
Veterans Services Representative III:
Knowledge of: Provisions of federal, state, and local legislation, rules, or regulations relating to veteran benefit programs and services, and applicable court decisions; veteran claim and appeal practices and procedures; Benefits, services, and programs available to veterans surviving spouses and dependents; state, federal, and community organizations available to provide services to veterans and their dependents, and their functions; office administrative principles and practices, including filing, record keeping, and the operation of standard office equipment; basic data processing principles and the use of modern office equipment, including computer software; basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; interviewing and counseling techniques; problem solving techniques; medical terms used in legislation, regulations, and claims presentation.
Ability to: Utilize training techniques to train staff on policies and procedures; coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines; exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines; interpret, explain, and apply complex laws, rules, and regulations governing the rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents; use problem solving techniques to clarify or resolve discrepancies between regulatory guidelines and veterans claims; assist clients in the preparation of claim forms, appeals, and related correspondence; interview effectively, explain veteran benefits programs to clients, and counsel accordingly; prepare, maintain, and process records and reports relating to veterans claims; act as a successful advocate for veterans and their dependents; maintain accurate files and records; research and summarize informational materials; prepare clear, concise, and complete reports, correspondence and other written material; interact with hostile or agitated clients; operate standard office equipment, including typing with sufficient skill to complete forms and enter information into a computer system; establish and maintain effective working relationships; work independently; coordinate the compilation of information and evidence required to establish veteran benefit eligibility.
These standards are typically attained with three years of experience comparable to a Veterans Services Representative II with Shasta County.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Veterans Services Representative I:
Incumbents must successfully obtain valid accreditation with the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Accreditation must be attained within one year of employment.
Must obtain accreditation and remain in good standing with the National Association of County Veterans Services Officers (NACVSO) within eighteen months of employment.
Veterans Services Representative II/III:
Must possess valid accreditation with the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Must obtain accreditation and remain in good standing with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) within eighteen months of employment.
Veterans Services Representative I/II/III:
Possession of a valid California driver license.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.
Do you have experience with interviewing and counseling individuals in highly stressful situations? If yes, please list your work experience and an example of your experience. If no, please write "N/A".- Do you have any experience with preparing and processing legal documents? If yes, please describe your experience. If no, please type “N/A”.
- Do you have experience filing claims in a Veteran’s Service office? If yes, please describe your experience and years worked in a Veteran’s Service office. If no, please type “N/A”.
- Do you have experience with data processing principles and the use of modern office equipment? If yes, please describe your experience and level of processing. If no, please type “N/A”.
- Do you have experience working in multiple computer programs simultaneously? Yes___ No___
- Are you able to adapt to ever changing laws and the workflow process change due to those laws enacted? If yes, please provide examples of your experience. If no, please type “N/A”.
- I understand I may have to work evening and/or weekend hours as needed. Yes___ No___
- I understand this position will require yearly travel for trainings to maintain accreditation status. Yes___ No___
- Were you or are you currently a member of the United States Armed Forces? Yes___ No___ If you are a United States Armed Forces Veteran, a copy of the DD-214 must be attached.
- As stated in Agency Question #16, I understand that to be considered for the veterans’ credit, I must provide a copy of a discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) with the employment application on or before the final filing date. Yes___ No___
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The employee will work primarily in an office environment but may be assigned to represent the Department at various community events and alternate work locations, including occasional weekend hours. Travel may be required.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.- Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
- As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
- Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
- Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information click here. If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
- In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
- Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General Unit.
- Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 8.75% of his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at Employee Benefits for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County’s website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County’s website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 5:00 p.m., on May 05, 2023. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application.
It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will
NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
Veterans' Credit : Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at apply online or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515
NOTE:
Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information.
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES
Holidays:
12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year.
Vacation:
10 working days a year during the first three years of service; 15 working days a year - 4 through 9 years of service; 17 working days a year - 10 through 15 years of service; 20 working days a year - 16 or more years of service. Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment. For purposes of vacation accrual, a working day is no more than 8 hours.
Sick Leave:
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual. Employees terminating in good standing after completion of 5 years of continuous service will receive a pro-rata payoff of accumulated sick leave. Unused sick leave may be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement. Note - accrued sick leave may not be used until after three months of employment. Accrued paid leave benefits are used in conjunction with FMLA/CFRA as appropriate.
Bereavement:
Maximum of 24 hours for each non-concurrent death in the immediate family.
Health Plan:
Shasta County contracts with PERS for medical insurance and has an alternative Blue Cross plan. Employees in the Teamsters bargaining unit are insured through a Teamsters Trust plan. Depending on the plan selected, the County pays most, or all, of the employee premium, and contributes a portion of the dependent premium. Contributions are made for a portion of a retiree's insurance premium.
Dental Plan:
The County pays a portion of the employee's and dependents' premium for dental insurance. The employee pays the full premium during the first six months of coverage.
Vision Plan:
The County pays the employee premium and employees may enroll dependents at their own expense.
Life Insurance:
The County pays the premium for life insurance for most employees. The amount of coverage varies by bargaining unit.
Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security. Members hired prior to May 8, 2011 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 55 benefit. Members hired after May 8, 2011 but before January 1, 2013 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 60 benefit. Members hired after January 1, 2013 are covered under the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) with a benefit formula of 2% @ 62. Please review the specific MOU for stipulated retirement formulas.
Employees pay 7.75% of his or her salary, on a pre-tax basis for a period of time as specified in his or her labor contact, or Personnel Rules as appropriate.
Miscellaneous:
- Deferred Compensation plans available through specified companies.
- IRC Section 125 plan available for pre-tax payroll deductions for contributions towards un-reimbursed medical expenses and dependent care.
- Optional insurance products are available.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.
Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Room 348
Redding, CA 96001-1676
(530) 225-5515
Comments, please email: schr@co.shasta.ca.us
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