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VETERANS SERVICES OFFICER

Bilingual Spanish/English Encouraged to Apply

Recruitment #15-SR9-01

Definition

THE JOB:  Under general direction, plan and manage the operations of the Veterans’ Services Office; participate in a program to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in obtaining the rights and benefits provided by Federal, State and local legislation; and perform other duties as required.

Employment Standards

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Three years of experience in a local, State or Federal government veterans’ program or a federally recognized veterans’ service organization counseling veterans on a variety of rights and benefits, at least one year of which must have included administrative responsibilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a veteran in accordance with the California Military and Veterans’ Code – Submit a copy of your DD214 with application 

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of provisions of Federal, State and local legislation, rules or regulations relating to all veteran benefits programs and applicable court decisions. Working knowledge of Veterans’ Administration claims and appeal practices and procedures; organizations and activities of the Veterans’ Administration and other veteran agencies and organizations; interviewing and counseling techniques; principles of administration, supervision and training; and community resources and organizations and their functions. Some knowledge of budgeting procedures.

Ability to:  Plan, develop and administer a comprehensive program relating to veteran services; train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; interpret laws and regulations concerning the rights and benefits of veterans and their dependents and advise and counsel clients accordingly; interview clients; prepare or assist clients in the preparation of appropriate forms and correspondence; assemble, organize and present in written and/or oral form, comprehensive reports containing alternative solutions and recommendations regarding specific resources, plans and policies pertaining to veterans services; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups/populations, department heads, State, Federal and political contacts; speak before large groups of citizens; and prepare and monitor a budget.

Benefits

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
VACATION – 16 days 1st year, increasing to 31 days per year after 15 years service. Available after 1 year service.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE – One week advanced upon appointment; two weeks accrued each year; can be taken in cash or time off.
HOLIDAYS – 12.5 paid holidays per year.
SICK LEAVE – Six days per year; after 6 months.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN – The County contracts with PERS for a variety of medical plans.  For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and dependents.
DENTAL PLAN – County pays for employee and dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN – County pays for employee coverage.  Employee may purchase dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY – Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years.  County pays a portion of retirement contribution and participates in Social Security. 
LIFE INSURANCE – County paid $50,000 term policy.  Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN – Plan pays 66 2/3% of the first $13,500, up to $9,000 per month maximum.
DEPENDANT-CARE PLAN – Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”
H-CARE PLAN – Employees who pay a County medical premium share of cost may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
FLEXIBLE HEALTH ALLOWANCE (FHA) – A portion of the County’s contribution to employee health insurance that allows employees to have health plan purchase options. Employees who are enrolled in a County medical plan can participate in this program.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION – A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
AUTOMATIC CHECK DEPOSIT – Required for all employees in this bargaining unit.

Selection Plan

THE EXAMINATION: Your application and supplemental application will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental application. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.  The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants.  If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental application. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.  

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out an application and supplemental questionnaire and mail/bring them to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD# (831) 454-2123.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) In the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.  Following a review for minimum qualifications, applicants who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be notified that they must submit a completed conviction history questionnaire in order to continue to the examination phase of the process.

Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.  

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.

Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.  

                             NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

                                                                  An Equal Opportunity Employer