Sufficient education and experience to effectively perform the above typical tasks and possession of the knowledge and abilities listed below.
Training and Experience Note: Training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school;
AND
Two (2) years of experience working as a military benefits counselor, military program manager, veterans' administrator, or have a general military background.
Substitution: Completion of 30 semester units (45 quarter units) from an accredited college may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Veterans and veteran members of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) are preferred. Applicants claiming veteran's preference, at time of application, must present copy of DD 214, which demonstrates an honorable discharge.
Certification:
Obtain a United States Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation via California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) exam pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 14.629, within the first twelve (12) months of employment and maintain while holding the position or vacate the position.
Obtain a United States Department of Veterans Affairs automated systems access (requires a successful federal background investigation, successful national agency check and sponsorship by the California Department of Veterans Affairs) within the first eighteen (18) months of employment and maintain while holding the position or vacate the position.
Special Requirements:
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Authorization.
- Successfully pass the Live Scan background check prior to appointment.
- Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, such as evenings and weekends at outreach events.
Knowledge of:
- Federal, State and local legislation and regulations relating to Veterans;
- The organization and procedures of the Veterans' Administration and the State Department of Veterans' Affairs;
- Basic medical terminology and medical conditions related to VA Benefits and military service;
- Basic understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health disorders and how to interact and provide assistance to individuals with these disabilities;
- Community resources available to Veterans;
- The principle sources of information important in completing Veterans' claims;
- General understanding of the military service branches, military programs and protocol, military service requirements for both active duty and reserve components, and basic knowledge of military records, awards, and discharge documents;
- Interviewing techniques;
- Standard office procedures and practices;
- Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database.
Ability to:
- Interpret laws, rules and regulations, and advise clients accordingly;
- Learn and understand types of benefits available to Veterans, as well as Federal, State and local rules and regulations applicable to Veterans' rights and benefit programs;
- Clearly and understandably communicate to Veterans and/or their widows and dependents the factors which determine eligibility for benefits and programs;
- Work in a high stress environment, potentially with homeless and incarcerated Veterans;
- Conduct independent research about military service, benefit eligibility, medical conditions, causes of death and their relation to Veteran benefits;
- Learn claims and appeals practices and procedures;
- Interview effectively;
- Multi-task on different projects simultaneously;
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Work in a team environment;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.