Veteran Services Representative I

Veteran Services Representative I

Salary

$77,706.72 - $93,897.44 Annually

Location

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-X72-A

Department

Social Services Agency - AO

Division

Veteran Services Office

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

01

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under close supervision, to assist veterans, their dependents, and/or their surviving spouses with obtaining the benefits provided by Federal, State, and local sources.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online written examination tentatively scheduled for October 9, 2026 to October 14, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified via email with instructions for taking the online examination.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Interviews and advises Veterans, their dependents, and/or their surviving spouses of their rights and the benefits available through Federal, State, or County agencies, including compensation, rehabilitation, insurance, pensions, education, medical care, and other benefits;
• Advises clients of the provisions of the applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and researches, reviews, and explains legislative actions and regulatory changes;
• Provides direct support to unhoused Veterans and coordinates with Veterans to obtain assistance with Federal, State, and County agencies;
• Corresponds with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State, and local government agencies and with Veterans and/or their representatives regarding claims, benefits, or other related Veteran programs;
• Assists Veterans, their dependents, and/or surviving spouses in obtaining local, State, and Federal benefits, establishing their rights related to filing claims for benefits;
• Confirms eligibility criteria and develops claims related to Veteran benefits, such as, pensions, compensation, insurance, rehabilitation, education, hospitalization, medical care, and burial and presents evidence to prove Veterans disabilities before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Secures documentary evidence, such as military, medical, birth, marriage, and divorce records, affidavits, discharges, birth certificates, death certificates, certificates of naturalization, medical reports, and other types of evidence in support of applications and/or claims for Veterans and eligible clients;
• Prepares and submits appeals, when justified, in cases where a claim is denied;
• Reviews claims and awards of benefits;
• Provides guidance and information about military programs, including their correlation to VA benefits and programs, such as Survivor Benefit Plan, Retirement Pay, Reserve Component service and retirements, and deployment related matters (orders, pay and entitlements, and related matters);
• Conducts administrative case management, including recording all customer interactions and claims activities by preparing case file notes and by conducting electronic records management;
• Makes field call visits to homes, hospitals, and other agencies, as needed;
• Participates and assists in public outreach events, provides information about Veteran Services, and conducts Veteran Services Briefings;
• Attends mandatory in-service trainings and conferences;
• Acts as liaison with local, State, and Federal agencies on behalf of Veterans, their dependents, and/or their surviving spouses;
• Prepares descriptive and statistical reports;
• Assists with answering phones and greeting the public, as needed;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities;

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or equivalent;

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience determining eligibility for veterans' benefits, directly working with the veteran population, and/or in the military.

OR

Possession of 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, at time of appointment.

Substitution: Completion of thirty (30) semester units (forty-five (45) quarter units) of college may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. There is no substitution for the accreditation.

Veterans and veteran members of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) are preferred. Applicants claiming veterans preference at time of application must present copy of DD 214, which demonstrates an honorable discharge.

Special Requirements:

• 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 for the duration of employment in this classification 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 for the duration of employment in this classification or vacate the position.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• Successfully pass the Live Scan background check prior to appointment.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and local legislation and regulations relating to Veterans;
• The organization and procedures of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of California's 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 assist individuals with these disabilities;
• Community resources available to Veterans;
• Principal sources of information important in completing Veterans claims;
• General understanding of the military service branches, military programs and protocols, 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;
• Common computer systems and applications;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

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, their dependents, and/or their surviving spouses the factors that determine eligibility for benefits and programs;
• Work in a high stress environment, potentially with unhoused 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, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Work in a team environment;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.

Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03

How many years of experience do you have determining eligibility for veterans benefits, directly working with the veteran population, and/or in the military?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

04

Describe your experience determining eligibility for veterans benefits, directly working with the veteran population, and/or in the military. Indicate the name of your employer, job title, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If no experience, type N/A.

05

Do you have possession of 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)?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered yes to the above question, describe your experience or accreditation with regard to claims processing and Veteran Assistance under 38 CFR. If no experience, type N/A.

07

Incumbents in this classification are expected to learn to gather, arrange, and evaluate a large variety of diversified data in order to establish veterans eligibility for benefits. Incumbents will represent veterans and submit claims to United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 14.629, incumbents must obtain United States Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits. This accreditation is received via successful completion of California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) exam within the first 12 months of start date. I understand that I must successfully complete the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) exam within the first twelve months of employment or vacate the position.

• Yes
• No

08

Have you served in the United States Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

10

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Clara

Address 70 W. Hedding Street

8th Floor, East Wing

San Jose, California, 95110

Phone (408) 299-6816

Website http://www.sccjobs.org/