Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, and coordinate the operational activities of the Veteran Services program within the Department of Health and Human Services, including assisting veterans and dependents in obtaining benefits; to plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff; to establish operational processes, methods, and procedures in support of Veteran Services Program; to perform a variety of technical and specialized functions in support of Veteran Services; and to function as a proactive and positive team leader with the Department.

The Veteran Services Officer recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinate staff and are responsible for a program area within a major work unit, division, or multi-disciplinary and collaborative program/project.

Receives direction from higher level management staff.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in the development and implementation of program mission, goals, and objectives; establish operational processes, methods, and procedures, to effectively meet the program goals and client needs.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the operational activities in support of Veterans Services; effectively manage and monitor the allocation of designated resources; maintain a variety of records and documentation and prepare reports on program operations and activities; and ensure compliance with stated mission, goals, regulations, and guidelines.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned staff.  
• Participate in collaborative activities with various community groups and other public agencies to identify and assess the needs of clients.
• Serve as secretary to the County Veterans Advisory Council and coordinate veteran issues between the County and Advisory Council.
• Provide technical assistance to veterans and dependents regarding Federal and State benefit entitlement.
• Oversee and participate in the development of the program's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; and recommend improvements and modifications as necessary.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of Veteran Services program budget; prepare cost estimates/projections; submit justifications for requested resources; and monitor and control expenditures. 
• Participate in the selection of assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; and implement discipline procedures as directed. 
• Act as a primary resource to clients, staff, and the general public regarding professional, programmatic, administrative, and/or operational issues.
• Represent the Veterans Services program to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary. 
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence and/or deliver oral presentations as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in veterans services administration. The Veteran Services Officer must be a veteran of a branch of the United States Armed Forces, as defined in applicable sections of the State Military and Veteran's code.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, behavioral sciences or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, certification from the State of California Department of Veterans Affairs to present claims to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of Veteran Services programs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and manage the administration and operations of the Veteran Services program.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve program related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means.
• Effectively interview to obtain adequate and relevant information; deal fairly and courteously with the public; and work with interruptions.
• Perform technical, procedural and data gathering responsibilities associated with assisting veterans and dependents in obtaining the full range of available entitlement.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Veteran Services policies and procedures.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration for Veteran Services; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for resource allocations; monitor and control expenditures. 
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.