ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Veterans' Services Department assists and advocates for military veterans and their families to obtain the benefits they deserve.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,200 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:
The Veterans' Services Officer performs administrative and technical work for the Deschutes County Veterans' Services (VS) programs in advising veterans and their dependents of benefits available under federal and state regulations, and County policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides advocacy, assistance, guidance, and case management services to US military veterans and dependents in obtaining a variety of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Oregon, and Deschutes County, in compliance with state and federal regulations and County policies.
• Interviews veterans and their dependents to obtain a comprehensive case history in order that eligibility for aid can be determined; interprets and explains government regulations.
• Prepares, reviews, and manages applications for state and federal veterans’ benefits; processes and reviews VS cases, evaluates client needs and eligibility, and assists with completing forms required to obtain legal and technical records, and file for applicable benefits.
• Reviews and processes client files and records of services provided; performs case management services to clients in support of claims, and prepares required documents and reports.

• State regulations and standards governing the administration of veterans’ rights, including Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Principles and protocols for the management of official documents and military records.
• Principles of caseload management, record keeping, case files, and records management.
• Local community resources and available community services programs.

• Interviewing techniques applicable to veterans’ advocacy services.
• Reading legal and technical documents, and extracting relevant information.
• Drafting, preparing, filing, and distributing various legal and technical documents.
• Interviewing and counseling victims, assessing victim needs, evaluating technical and health problems, and making recommendations based on observations and interviews.
• Applying medical research findings and terminologies for technical claim preparation.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting laws, regulations, and technical and administrative procedures.

• This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

$4,907.51 to $6,576.50 per month for a 172.67 hour work month. This position union-represented position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:
Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $90 per month, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) for full benefit details.

• Associate's degree in Social Services, Business or Public Administration, or related field;
• AND two (2) years of experience in government assistance programs and counseling;
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

• 
  Current status as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accredited Representative as administered by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Out-of-state VSOs or those federally accredited outside of a VA-recognized veterans service organizations; i.e. attorneys or individual claim agents, must apply for certification from the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, attend required training, and sit for the state exam within six months of hire date.