Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer

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Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer

Salary

$53,215.75 - $78,743.20 Annually

Location

(RCGC EAST) Saint Paul, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2024-00922

Department

38A01-Veterans Services

Opening Date

09/10/2024

Closing Date

9/23/2024 11:59 PM Central

Union

Local 8 - General County

Salary Plan

22N

FLSA Status

nonexempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Basic Function

The current vacancy is within the Veterans Services Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

This position requires applicants to be a US Veteran who has separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States. Please ensure you upload a clear copy of your DD214 with your application.

The Second Assistant Veterans Service Officer (2nd AVSO) is a champion for veterans, dependents, and their families, serving as the entry point for veteran benefits and resources. The 2nd AVSO initiates, develops, and files benefit claims on their behalf and serves as an advocate and advisor on benefit programs offered by local, state, and federal authorities. The 2nd AVSO operates primarily independently and offers case management services to assist client needs, that include referrals to a variety of community organizations and resources. In addition to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all applicable federal and state legislation, rules, policies, and procedures that impact veterans, the position exhibits expert knowledge and proficiency in the field of veteran benefit law. The role includes familiarity with county and local resources to promote excellent client outcomes and enhance well-being. In addition to collaborating with internal and external partners, this position is responsible for community outreach and public education regarding topics concerning veteran benefits and resources.

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy. (https://public.powerdms.com/Ramsey/tree/documents/1657939)

If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions (http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ramsey/classspecs) . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

Examples of Work Performed

• Using independent judgment, interprets federal, state and county laws, regulations and policies in advising veterans, dependents and their families concerning entitlements, benefits and other related issues.

• Effectively engages with veterans, dependents, and their families to perform assessment and case management activities to determine needs and eligibility for county, state, and federal veteran benefits and programs.

• Interview veterans and their survivors who may be eligible for compensation, pension, or dependency benefits.

• Attend regular trainings provided by the Veterans Administration and Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs to develop and maintain expertise needed to act as an advocate for veterans, their dependents and survivors.

• Gather and assemble essential information to build effective claims.

• Obtain, review, and submit all necessary forms, documentation, and correspondence in connection with claims and applications for benefits provided by the Veterans Administration, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, state and county benefit programs and local community partners serving veterans, their survivors, and dependents.

• Work directly in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Ramsey County departments and other entities serving Ramsey County veterans to facilitate access for veterans to available programs and services.

• Organizes, coordinates, and conducts community outreach and education and serves as the community subject-matter expert on veteran benefits, programs, and resources.

• Prepare case records/outcomes, correspondence, and other documentation using various computer applications. Prepare and submit reports as required, to state and federal agencies.

• Respond to people in crisis situations to provide short- and long-term case management, assist with problem-solving, accessing resources, and provide referrals to essential services and supports.

• Conduct targeted outreach to homeless and justice involved veterans living in the community, in unsheltered locations or in correctional facilities.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Daily contact with clients to advise them of their rights to benefits and to assist them in gaining these rights with local, state, and federal agencies and to follow up on claims or exchange information on eligibility or benefits. Direct and indirect coordination of service delivery with partners serving veterans in the community.

IMPACT ON SERVICES/OPERATIONS:

The fulfillment of assigned duties significantly influences the department's effectiveness in delivering services to veterans and their dependents within the framework of applicable laws and regulations. Ensuring proper completion is crucial for maintaining the quality of veterans' lives, safeguarding confidential information, and upholding a positive public image. Conversely, any lapses in performance may lead to delays in benefit distribution, decreased organizational productivity, and potential complications arising from mishandling confidential information.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in a sedentary office environment and involves approximately six hours daily of operating computerized office equipment. The role requires face-to-face contact and occasional offsite travel to represent the department and to conduct client interviews in their homes or institutions. Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may be performed at homeless shelters, encampments, the courthouse, correctional facilities, libraries, food shelves and medical facilities. Additional physical or mental requirements are inherent to the essential functions of the position, including but not limited to wrist and finger manipulation used for operating office equipment, and occasional lifting of up to 22 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of Minnesota Statute §197.603 governing the functions of the Veteran's Services Office.

• Understanding and interpreting federal and state statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting veterans.

• Familiarity with county and community resources to enhance positive client outcomes.

• Proficiency in using software and operating personal computer equipment for completing case notes and database management requirements.

• Ability to obtain accreditation by the Veteran Affairs Office of General Counsel (VA-OGC) within one year of hire and cross-accreditation with national veteran service organizations within two years of hire.

• Ability to obtain a Security Clearance with the Veterans Administration to gain access to the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS).

• Ability to effectively and empathetically communicate with clients of diverse backgrounds and personalities, in various states of physical and emotional health, and with a wide range of needs and requests.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision.

• Ability to give clear, concise advice and assistance to those who seek it.

• Ability to conduct interviews, offer guidance and provide case management for veterans, and their dependent and survivors with professionalism, consideration, and tact.

• Ability to apply complex regulations, principles, and concepts to determine the appropriate course of action for clients.

• Ability to think critically, strategize outcomes, and solve complex issues.

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team within a small department, including willingness to support other staff, provide leadership, and coordinate with project teams within the department.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff across Ramsey County departments, the Veterans Administration, Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs and other community partners dedicated to serving veterans.

• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate outreach events.

• Proficient in creating presentation materials, speaking publicly, and conducting training for both internal and external partners on veteran programs and benefits.

• Ability to advocate for a workplace that values diversity, cultural competence, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology or a related field.

Experience: Two or more years of experience interpreting policies and procedures to the public or providing social service counseling and assistance to veterans or special classes of people.

Substitution: A combination of two years of education in sociology, psychology or a related field and four years of experience interpreting policies and procedures to the public or providing social service counseling and assistance to veterans or special classes of people may be substituted for the education requirement.

Certifications/Licensure: May require driver’s license depending on area assigned.

Other: Must be a veteran (a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who has separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty) as determined in Minnesota State Statute 197.447 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/197.601) . Applicants must submit a copy of their DD 214 (https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/) which includes their character of service.

Exam/Screening Process Information

process will consist of the following sections with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

  The examination for Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process, and file a properly completed application, shall be placed on the Rule of 10 eligible list for employment as a Second Assistant Veteran Service Officer . This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 1 month or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merit and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Departments/Human%20Resources%20Dept/RAMSEY%20COUNTY%20EMPLOYMENT%20APPLICATION.pdf) . You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Patrick Lemmon, patrick.lemmon@co.ramsey.mn.us