Job Information
Spokane County Veteran Services Officer (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) in Spokane, Washington
Veteran Services Officer (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)
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Veteran Services Officer (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)
Salary
$44,853.72 - $62,773.89 Annually
Location
WA 99216, WA
Job Type
Regular
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
24-00046
Department
Veteran Services
Opening Date
02/28/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
This position works 37.5 hours per week.
Interviews, counsels and performs referral duties for eligible, indigent honorably discharged veterans and/or their beneficiaries (widow, children) residing in Spokane County. Verifies the status of veterans and/or their beneficiaries and determines eligibility for financial assistance under the provisions of RCW 73.08.
NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE VETERANS AND MUST ATTACH COPIES OF THEIR DD214 TO THEIR ONLINE APPLICATIONS.
Potential for hybrid work after probational period.
WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Master Contract submitting applications between 2/28/24 and 3/6/24. First consideration will be given to applicants working in Veteran Services in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to applicants covered by the Master Contract CBA; fourth consideration will be given to all other applicants.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $57,412 - $80,350 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Interviews and determines the eligibility and status of veterans and/or their dependents seeking assistance; disburses relief funds within established guidelines or makes referrals to other agencies for assistance.
Assists veterans and dependents with obtaining documents required to apply for VA benefits (DD214, birth and death certificates, etc.)
Counsels veterans regarding personal issues and makes referrals to appropriate agencies for aid; provides and researches information on VA benefits.
Assists eligible veterans in the preparation of VA medical care application and aids in the preparation of claims for service-connected disabilities and non-service connected pensions; when applicable, makes referral to the appropriate organization for assistance.
Works with area funeral directors to establish eligibility for veteran’s benefits on behalf of deceased veterans and their dependents.
Monitors usage of assistance budget; maintains office inventory.
Performs related duties as required.
As Veteran Services Employment Specialist (in addition to the duties listed above):
Assesses customer’s employability and job readiness; identifies and assists customers in eliminating barriers to employment and/or post-secondary education; makes referrals to other agencies for assistance, where appropriate.
Provides career guidance and counseling; researches labor market information. Assists customers with identifying training and education programs related to their career goals.
Develops and conducts a variety of employment related workshops (resume writing, job search, interviewing, skills development, etc.). May also provide similar information in an individual setting.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with area employers, educational institutions, vocational schools and other agencies to build a network of employment, training and educational opportunities.
Identifies employment opportunities suitable for customers based upon their needs, readiness and fit; assists in the application process, provides interview coaching, contacts employers to obtain feedback and/or additional information.
Participates in outreach activities (community and hiring events).
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Associate degree in sociology, psychology, social work, counseling, or related field and one (1) year of experience providing support services requiring a working knowledge of Veterans Benefits and applicable RCW’s; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Must be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; certified copy of DD214 or other appropriate service discharge record required at time of hire.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of:
• Current federal, state and local laws relating to benefits for veterans, their dependents and/or beneficiaries.
• Programs, services and activities of federal, state and other agencies rendering assistance to veterans, their dependents and/or beneficiaries.
• Employment barriers encountered by veterans and tools/resources to address and overcome those barriers.
Ability to:
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, groups and related organizations.
• Tactfully conduct interviews of a personal nature with veterans and their families, to obtain accurate and complete information.
• Relate with sensitivity to disadvantaged, disenfranchised and/or mentally unstable persons.
• Collect and maintain statistical data.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Maintain written and database records as required.
• Conduct employment related workshops as required.
• Assess employability; provide career guidance and counseling; assist, coach and mentor veterans in the job search and/or continued education process.
Skilled in:
• The use of computers and related software applications (specifically MS Office- Windows, Outlook, etc.).
• Performing basic mathematical calculations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing).
• Using standard office equipment such as telephones, copiers, scanners, calculators and fax machines.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Do you have an Associate degree in sociology, psychology, social work, counseling, or related field and one (1) year of experience providing support services requiring a working knowledge of Veterans Benefits and applicable RCW's?
Yes
No
No, but I do have an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
02
Are you an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces?
Yes
No
03
Have you attached a DD214 to your online application?
Yes
No
04
Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "I am not a Union member").
I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)
I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)
None of the above apply
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment